Women Leading Change: Mobile Science Lab Handed Over to Tunzanani Primary School
Echo Network Africa Foundation (ENAF), together with partners, has handed over its fourth Mobile Science Laboratory under the Girls Excel Initiative. The latest beneficiary is Tunzanani Primary School in Kilifi South.
The school was selected because of its lack of a permanent laboratory and its potential to serve as a hub where neighboring schools can also benefit from the facility. At the handover, girls witnessed a powerful moment with the headteacher, the senior assistant chief, and the Junior Secondary School science teacher, all of them women, leading the event and inspiring the next generation.
Breaking New Ground in Leadership
For Headteacher Doris Jeza, the laboratory donation was a milestone both for the school and for her personal journey. As the first female headteacher since the school was founded in 1983, she spoke of the challenges that poverty, drugs and lack of awareness among parents have posed to children’s education.
“We have had no laboratory for years, forcing teachers to only demonstrate concepts in class. This mobile lab means our children can finally learn practically. A child is not just a child of Tunzanani but of the whole of Kenya.”
Shifting Cultural Norms
Also present was Halima Hammad, Senior Assistant Chief of Kidutani Mawamba Sub location in Mtwapa. She reflected on how community attitudes toward girls’ education have shifted.
“Before COVID, very few girls were in school because of culture. Today, they are empowered and even leading in academics. Our girls are proving every day that they are just as capable as boys.”
Mentorship in the Classroom
The role of mentorship came to life through Caroline Kache Kitsao, the Junior Secondary School Science Teacher. Having grown up in Kilifi and worked hard to pursue her Bachelor of Science in Education, she understands firsthand the barriers girls face.
“It is not easy, but if you know what you want in life and go for it, you will succeed.”
Caroline makes mentorship part of her teaching:
“Out of a 40 minute class, I take 30 minutes to teach and 10 minutes to encourage them. They are very free with me as a female teacher, and they can see what is possible through my own story.”
Equipping Girls to Excel
In addition to the laboratory, ENAF distributed dignity kits to the girls of Tunzanani, helping them remain in school consistently. For many, such support is as critical as the learning resources themselves.
The initiative, spearheaded by ENAF and implemented in partnership with the School Equipment Production Unit (SEPU) and community partners such as the Safe Community Centre, continues to break barriers to STEM education. ENAF noted that to reach more underserved schools across Kenya, additional partners are needed. By joining forces with government agencies, private sector actors, NGOs, and local communities, more girls can be empowered to pursue education and leadership opportunities in STEM.
The Girls Excel Initiative will continue rolling out mobile labs to more schools in the coming months, affirming that when women lead and mentor, and when communities partner for change, entire regions rise.