Violence against children and inadequate safety measures in schools are critical issues impacting educational outcomes in Kenya and Tanzania. ICS SP addresses these challenges by implementing the Whole School Approach, aiming to improve safety and learning environments. Over the past three years, this initiative has focused on equipping schools with the necessary tools, knowledge, and policies to foster a safe and supportive atmosphere for students.

The project successfully implemented the Whole School Approach in 49 primary schools 16 in Kenya and 33 in Tanzania. This involved training 107 school leaders on effective management and safety protocols, and 754 teachers on child development, positive discipline, and life skills education. Additionally, 2,499 students in Kenya and 14,474 students in Tanzania participated in life skills sessions, learning about self-awareness, decision-making, and personal safety.

The initiative also established 16 speak-out boxes in Kenya and 33 safety and guidance desks in Tanzania to enhance case reporting. These measures, along with active child rights clubs and junior councils, have been pivotal in promoting child protection and safety within schools.

Students have shown improved awareness of personal safety and life skills, with a 33.3% increase in the reporting of child protection incidents in Kenya and a 30.1% increase in Tanzania. School environments have become more secure, with a decrease in dropout rates (11.8% in Kenya and 13.2% in Tanzania) and enhanced academic performance (28.57% in Kenya and 12.5% in Tanzania). Parent-child-teacher relationships have also improved by 17% in Kenya and 21% in Tanzania.

The Whole School Approach has been so effective that it has been incorporated into national guidelines for school safety and guidance desks in Tanzania.

One of the students positively impacted by the program is Justina Thomas, a fourth-grade student at Nyika Primary School in Tanzania. Before participating in the life skills sessions, Justina struggled with self-awareness and personal hygiene. Her teachers, trained in value-based life skills, facilitated 14 sessions that transformed her outlook.

Justina now feels more confident and knowledgeable about her future. She appreciates the life skills training for helping her understand herself better and improving her self-esteem.

 “I am feeling good about myself and now I know who I am and what I am supposed to do in my life,” Justina says. “Thanks to ICS SP for building the capacity of children like me, it helps us overcome various challenges.”

The Whole School Approach has made a profound impact on schools and students in Kenya and Tanzania, improving safety, reducing violence, and enhancing educational outcomes. The success stories, like that of Justina Thomas, highlight the effectiveness of this initiative in transforming lives and fostering a supportive learning environment. Continued support and expansion of this program will further strengthen school safety and student well-being across the region.