In a major step toward improving access to education in Kilifi County, the Inter-Religious Council of Kenya (IRCK) recently launched the construction of classrooms, sanitation facilities, a borehole, and the provision of desks at Jila Primary School, Bamba, Ganze Sub-County. The initiative, supported by the Latter-day Saints, Mombasa Cement, and the County Government of Kilifi, aims to bridge critical gaps in the education sector identified through a Social Intelligence Reporting exercise conducted by faith leaders in Kilifi in collaboration with UNICEF and the State Department for Economic Planning.
Presiding over the event, Rt. Rev. Willybard Lagho the Chairman of IRCK, who also serves as the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Malindi, emphasized the transformative role of education in shaping society. “The foundation we lay today is not just made of bricks and mortar, it is a foundation for the future of our children, the hope of our communities, and the development of our society,” he stated. He further underscored that quality education is the key to breaking cycles of poverty, empowering young minds, and fostering a more just and prosperous society.
The school’s headteacher, Mr. Samson Kahindi, welcomed the intervention, noting that the new infrastructure will significantly ease congestion and improve the learning environment for students. “For years, our pupils have endured overcrowded classrooms and a lack of basic facilities. Today, we celebrate a new dawn, one that will allow our children to learn with dignity and hope for a brighter future,” he said.
The Chairperson of the Board of Management (BOM), Mrs. Florence, echoed similar sentiments, commending IRCK and its partners for prioritizing education as a tool for social change. “This project is a game-changer for our school. The improvement initiative of a borehole will not only benefit the students but also the surrounding community, ensuring access to clean water, which is a basic necessity,” he noted.
The area Member of Parliament, Hon. Charo Kazungu through a representative lauded the collaborative approach taken to address the gaps in education, pledging continued government support for sustainable development initiatives. “Education is the backbone of any society, and investments such as this ensure that our children have a fair chance at a better future. I urge the school and the community to take ownership of these new facilities and ensure their proper maintenance,” the statement from the office said.
Beyond infrastructure, the launch event also highlighted the importance of community involvement in ensuring that education remains a priority. The IRCK Chairman called on parents, teachers, and local leaders to work together in safeguarding the gains made. “Development is not the responsibility of a few but of all. Let us join hands in ensuring that Jila Primary School becomes a center of excellence and a beacon of hope for generations to come,” he urged.
The launch marks the beginning of a series of educational support initiatives aimed at improving learning conditions in underserved regions. With faith-based organizations playing a key role in advocating for quality education, the project serves as a testament to what can be achieved when religious leaders, development partners, and government institutions unite for a common goal.
By Anthony Blaize
