Cultural rites hindrance to education in West Pokot
What you need to know:
- West Pokot county Maendeleo ya Wanawake chairperson Mary Mariach said outdated cultural practices like female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and early and forced marriages are denying both the girl and boy child the opportunity to go to school.
Pokot County women leader has called for the establishment of low cost boarding schools to help save children in the region from undergoing outdated cultural practices.
West Pokot county Maendeleo ya Wanawake chairperson Mary Mariach said outdated cultural practices like female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and early and forced marriages are denying both the girl and boy child the opportunity to go to school.
Speaking in Turkwel, Mrs Mariach expressed fears over the neglect of the girl child among pastoralist communities in the remotest parts in the country.
She reiterated that girls are over burdened by heavy chores at home by their parents.
Mrs Mariach said setting up of boarding school in the area will increase the retention of children in school — especially in primary schools — as well act as rescue centres for girls running from FGM and early marriages.
