Projects We Support

Selected Project:  

Alex Sharamo, Early Childhood Development Scholarship Kalacha Dida, Northern Frontier District, Kenya

 
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Early Childhood Development and Education

Alex had always desired to see children in his community and surrounding areas benefit from ontemporary and early childhood development tools, but without a Universtiy education his span of influence was limited.

WildiZe was proud to provide a scholarship to Alex Sharamo for Early Childhood Development at the University of Nairobi. Alex has gone on to become the ad hoc director of instituting protocols for early childhood development in rural provinces o the northern frontier district (NFD) of Kenya, and is helping women’s and community groups in the Marsabit District institute early childhood education for both nomadic and settled communities.
Who is he: Alex Sharamo is WildiZe's very first scholarship student. We met in 1998 when Alex was the headmaster of the small Kalacha primary school. He expressed his interest in going to university to study early childhood development.
What does he do: Alex is a Gabbra with deep ties to the Kalacha community and a zest and skill at teaching and mobilizing others desire to  improve themselves and their families.  When Kenya instituted 'free' and mandatory primary education for all children, this unwittingly put severe pressure on all schools. Previously only those who could afford the fees attended, now the schools were overwhelmed with students but the structure of the rural schools hadn't changed.. they were ill equipped to deal with the influx of students.  Alex desired to learn more to help augment and prepare not only the Marsabit District primary schools but to help teach and implement contemporary early childhood development tools.

How does WildiZe help him: Finally by 2001 and a lot of planning, WildiZe provided the funding for Alex to attend a three year expedited course at Kenyatta University in Early Childhood Devleopment.  The process was a dream come true for Alex, an intense learning experience for all of us involved in seeing this through, and a lesson in cultural diversity, hardship and excellence for Alex .. a young man from a rural and isolated community in the northern frontier district of Kenya to the bustling city of Nairobi and the intensity of the university surroundings.
Results: Alex graduated with honors, provided WildiZe with all materials and exam results and copies of papers and projects that were set out by the University as part of his program of studies.  Alex has then gone on to implement Early Childhood Development concepts and tools throughout the Marsabit District- Maikona to North Horr  schools.  He has provided his expertise and help to many of the community groups throughout this district-- not just Kalacha-- toward empowering the Gabbra men, women and children.. proving in a post-colonial and still tribal area that perserverance of dreams and hard work will make them come true.  WildiZe is extremely proud of Alex's accomplishments and we continue to work together.

Fast Facts: Alex Sharamo

Scholarship year: 2000-2003

Curriculum studies: Language Methods; Science and Mathematics; Material Development for Early Childhood Learning, Exceptional Children, Instruction Media, General Methods; Music, Movement and Drama; Pre-school Curriculum; Adolescent and Adult Psychology; Social Psychology; Guidance and Counseling; Rights of Children and their Welfare

We first met Alex when he was the headmaster of the small Kalacha school of approx. 100 students. After meeting Alex WildiZe was convinced that this man was committed to making a difference, to getting an education and to educating others in his home area.  After successfully completing a 3yr course Alex returned to the Northern Fronteir District to help improve the lives of his fellow Gabbra and larger community throughout the district.