Ethnic Violence in Kenya Puts Many Children at Risk
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Nakuru IDP Camp, Kenya |
Political violence in Kenya, sparked by failed elections in December, has led to grave consequences. The fighting has left more than 1,500 dead and at its peak, forced nearly 600,000 from their homes. Many of the people who have been displaced are still living in congested, makeshift camps – often without clean water, sanitation and schooling.
Save the Children is implementing various programs to help protect children caught up in the violence. Programs underway include: a national child-protection training strategy; police officer training; teacher training; development of an interagency database for separated children with Kenyan government's Children's Department; creation of child friendly spaces; distribution of education supplies -including "school-on-your-back" kits - to teachers and students around the country.
Save the Children is also taking action in Uganda, where nearly 2,000 Kenyans are still seeking refuge. Save the Children is working to ensure that children are not separated from their parents during relocation by registering and tracing unaccompanied minors. The agency is also supplying blankets and mattresses, as well as creating child friendly spaces.
Save the Children has been working closely with Ugandan schools and the District Education Officer to improve attendance and help schools cope with the influx of refugee students. To date the agency has provided over 1000 text books covering Math, English, Social Studies and Science, in addition to other scholastic materials such as pens, pencils and exercise books. For young people, Save the Children is providing skills training opportunities.
You can help Save the Children respond to emergencies that put at great risk the survival, protection, and well-being of significant numbers of children. By contributing to the Children's Emergency Fund, you enable us to respond immediately to children and families who urgently need our help when disasters strike.
