Have you heard about the African Union’s Agenda 2063?
Here are five things to know about it, and how they relate to Kakenya’s Dream:
#1
The African Union Vision 2063 or Agenda 2063 was released in January 2015 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. It will serve as the African Union’s socioeconomic transformation framework for the next 50 years. The primary purpose of the agenda is to expand on previous declarations and initiatives for a more sustainable and efficient approach to the development of Africa.
What this means for us: Like the African Union, Kakenya’s Dream is expanding our reach. Our second boarding school campus, KCE II, will empower us to triple the number of girls we serve each year, impacting a whole generation of driven young women in our community.
#2
Agenda 2063 is rooted in lessons from global and continental development, as well as modernization and globalization.
What this means for us: We are “going the last mile” by working in rural communities that are often left out of global development projects. Our girls are among the most marginalized; through our holistic programming at Kakenya’s Dream, these girls and their communities are integrated in the global conversations and movements on FGM and reproductive rights.
#3
Agenda 2063 includes 7 African Aspirations, each focusing on a unique element of Africa. These include values such as an inclusive prosperity, human rights, peace, strong cultural heritage, and leadership on the global stage.
What these mean for us: Like the AU, we have our own aspirations and dreams for our girls, community, and the world. At our schools, KCE I and II, we invite family and community members to campus to engage and help teach the girls about Maasai culture. Here the girls learn traditional beading, music, dance, and farming techniques. Through intentionally designed empowerment trainings, as well as extracurricular activities like Model UN, our girls learn about human rights and how to advocate for themselves and others.
#4
Unlike many declarations, Agenda 2063 emphasizes a bottom-up approach.
What this mean for us: What makes Kakenya’s Dream unique is our grassroots approach to the work we do. We are not a separate entity from the community, rather we are centered in the Narok Count and our community is deeply engaged in the work we do. Through programs like our Health & Leadership Trainings, we are empowering and motivating our future leaders.
#5
Last but not least, Agenda 2063 calls all African citizens and leaders to action on education and gender parity.
What this means for us: Agenda 2063’s emphasis on education and the elimination of gender discrimination supports our mission of educating and empowering girls. At our Centers for Excellence, KCE I and II, our girls receive a holistic education, tailored to each individual’s needs both in and outside of the classroom. Our girls are encouraged to speak up, ask questions, and explore their interests and hobbies. Through trainings and awareness days, they learn about FGM, reproductive rights, and gender inequality, gaining the knowledge necessary to make their own, informed choices regarding health and education.
