Woman Rep Calls for Improved ECDE Learning, Raises Alarm Over Teenage Pregnancies in Maara

Tharaka-Nithi County Woman Representative Susan Ngugi has called for reforms in Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) to improve learning.

In a speech during a sanitary pads distribution drive in Maara on Thursday, the legislator urged the county government to ensure ECDE learning centres have proper playgrounds and well-equipped facilities to support the holistic development of children at an early stage.

Susan also called for improved pay and remuneration for ECDE teachers to boost morale and ensure better services for learners.

In addition, she championed the incorporation of better feeding programmes to ensure learners are comfortable in school, enabling them to study effectively.

"ECDE centres are now managed by county governments through devolution. If elected the next Governor of Tharaka-Nithi County, I will ensure feeding programmes are improved, adequate playgrounds are provided, and most importantly, introduce a school uniform programme that will see all ECDE learners receive free uniforms," she added.

The Woman Representative raised alarm over teenage pregnancies recorded in Maara Constituency, noting that more than 100 cases had been reported last year.

She attributed most of the teenage pregnancies to the unavailability of sanitary pads for school-going girls, saying many were forced into sexual engagement in exchange for the pads.

Susan noted that through her office, sanitary pads are now available for collection at every sub-county director of education office across the county.

She urged the government to allocate more funding towards the programme under the Ministry of Gender and Social Protection, to extend support to junior and secondary schools.

"This programme currently targets school-going girls in Grades 5–8. We value it because it ensures dignity for the girls, boosts their confidence to carry out their activities, and most importantly, keeps them in school. It also promotes menstrual hygiene among our girls," she said.

"More than 100 school-going girls recorded early pregnancies in Maara. One of the major reasons we are running this programme is the lack of sanitary pads, which forces girls to acquire them through early sexual engagement. This initiative will empower girls to say no to sexual involvement in exchange for sanitary pads," Susan added.

She appealed to other elected leaders to allocate funds for sanitary pads to ease the burden.

"If we are all committed to this cause, we will achieve more. As we plan and allocate funds for development, let us remember the girl child," she said.