Nurseries and nutrition centres

Today we drive towards the mountains to visit two nurseries and nutrition centres. The Todonyang parish covers a vast territory, and people live in small compounds scattered across it. Children who live far from Todonyang cannot reach a school, so the mission has set up nursery centres throughout the area. Here, children are fed and introduced to basic education. The promise of porridge at breakfast draws them in, and then the teachers begin work on English and early-years concepts.

On our arrival, we are greeted by a group of women in colourful local dress and traditional beaded collars, together with their children in school uniform, all singing and dancing. It is a joyful, energetic welcome, and we feel privileged to be received in such a special way.

The mission's work here is remarkable. In such a remote area, where most people speak only Turkana, children are introduced to learning they would otherwise not have access to, and they prove to be good learners. The teachers live in the school compound, dedicating their lives entirely to these children.

They do it without fuss, yet what they are doing is extraordinary.