Grundfos Foundation supports new TeachWell program in Kenya

The International Rescue Committee (IRC), the LEGO Foundation and the Grundfos Foundation have partnered to launch TeachWell, a US$27 million Teacher Professional Development program aimed at enhancing teaching and learning experiences among refugee and host community children in Kenya.

Image copyright © TensorSpark - Adobe Stock.

The initiative will use 'learning through play' to support the implementation of Kenya's new Competence Based Curriculum by fostering essential skills such as critical thinking and problem-solving.

The program is also designed to support safe and healthy learning environments for children, in addition to promoting their resilience and adaptability amidst challenges like drought, conflicts, and instability. The goal is to ensure that children thrive in their learning environments, even in the most challenging circumstances.

"Building on the PlayMatters and Play Well programs in Uganda, Ethiopia and Tanzania, we are excited to build on our partnership with the LEGO Foundation in Kenya. Now, with the additional support of the Grundfos Foundation, we are taking a significant step forward in supporting the needs of refugee children in the region,” said David Miliband, president and CEO of the IRC. “TeachWell is not just an advancement in educational methods, but a reinvention of the learning experience for children, blending proven practices with innovative approaches."

The new TeachWell program is set to transform learning in Kenya’s refugee and host communities by promoting holistic, child-centric teaching methods, skills based learning, and robust support for teachers. It prioritizes mental health and the safety of teachers, equips schools with essential water and sanitation facilities, and fosters resilience in educational settings to navigate crises effectively.

‘’Improving access to clean water and sanitation for children as well as building resilience for schools to cope through emergencies like droughts, conflicts, and instability is crucial for educational success. By supporting these efforts, we aim to ensure that every child has a conducive space to learn and grow, thereby unlocking their potential,’’ said Kim Nøhr Skibsted, CEO, Grundfos Foundation.

Learning through play: students at Kitgum Demonstration School in Kitgum, Uganda learning integers during a maths lesson - Image © Derrick Taremwa/International Rescue Committee.