Running in the Family: Shaping Generations of Learning in East Africa

“It’s affordable, and close to home.”

Mwinyi Mohamed (left) and his family.

From 3-year-old Mariam to 21-year-old Ali, all of Mealii’s children attended their local pre-primary school in rural Kenya.

Their school is one of many supported by the Madrasa Early Childhood Program (MECP), one of the Aga Khan Development Network’s flagship education programs in East Africa. MECP focuses on ensuring that children have access to high-quality, affordable pre-primary education, so they can build a strong foundation for learning.

Rasul Akram ECD School in Kwale, Kenya.

Established in the 1980s, MECP has shaped generations of learning across Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.

Canada was one of the first funders of the program, providing support to develop, refine, and expand the community learning centres. Today, Canadian investments are supporting curriculum development and professional development for teachers, supporting high-quality education for thousands of young learners.

Volunteer parents of students at Rasul Akram ECD School paint corn cobs, sticks, and coconut shells to use as learning aids in class.

MECP also takes a holistic approach to schooling, involving parents and community members in the schools – including Mealii’s husband.

“He was volunteering on the school management committee, and was a community mobilizer for the school,” said Mealii. “He still takes part in activities, and was part of the renovations.”

By engaging communities in early childhood development, MECP helps ensure that communities gain ownership of the schools, so they can identify the challenges and needs of their children and implement sustainable and long-term solutions.

Every morning, Mealii makes chapati (flatbread) and beans to sell at a nearby shop. She uses her earnings to support her family and her children’s education.

Mwinyi, Mealii’s second eldest child.

When Mwinyi, Mealii’s second eldest, graduated from their local MECP centre, he was selected to continue studying at the Aga Khan Academy in Mombasa, located two hours away from their community.

“I felt that a burden had been eased, because his school fees were being catered to in full. I could focus on the others,” said Mealii.

Mwinyi has just graduated from high school, and is now applying for universities.

Mwinyi walking his sister home from school.

For Mealii, she hopes that education will unlock opportunities for her children.

“My dreams are for my kids,” said Mealii. “I dream about my kids, especially for Mwinyi, to be successful and come back to help the family and help the community.”