Educational Outreach

UNIC visits schools in Baringo

Nairobi, 30 June 2004 - The United Nations Information Centre addressed eight schools in Baringo as part of its participation in the World Day to Combat Desertification, which was celebrated on 18 June in Marigat, a pastoral community in Baringo District

With the assistance of the local Assistant Education Officer, David Toroitich, UNIC first visited Kokwa Island School, which is located on an island right in the middle of Lake Baringo. This is a primary school supported by the Christian Care Fund who also pays fees for the pupils unable to afford the fees. The school has a population of 158 pupils, 70 of who are girls.

Our next venue was Marigat High School, which has a population of 168 boys and 144 girls. At this venue we addressed five other schools including four primary schools. The third venue was Kimalel Primary School.

Students at St. Mary's Primary School in Mogotio showed a lively interest in the work of the United Nations and asked some revealing questions such as: Who appoints the Secretary-General? Who represents Kenya in the United Nations? What is the work of the United Nations? Where does the United Nations get its funds? Where is the headquarters of the United Nations? Does the United Nations have constituencies?

Apart from disseminating United Nations material at the schools, we also showed videos on the work of the United Nations including "United Nations for a better Future".