The International Rescue Committee (IRC), LEGO Foundation, and Grundfos Foundation have announced the $27 million launch of a teacher development program for refugee and host community teachers in Kenya.

The TeachWell program will apply the “learning through play” teaching pedagogy to support implementation of Kenya’s new Competence Based Curriculum, promoting holistic, child-centric teaching methods, skills-based learning, and support for teachers. Learning through play shows evidence of improving socio-emotional skills and well-being in children, especially those facing adversity.

The initiative will prioritize mental health and the safety of teachers, equip schools with essential water and sanitation facilities, and foster resilience in educational settings. To be led by the IRC, with design and teacher training spearheaded by RTI International, the TeachWell consortium of organizations includes the Lutheran World Federation, African Population and Health Research Center, and Film-Aid Kenya.

“Improving access to clean water and sanitation for children as well as building resilience for schools to cope through emergencies like droughts, conflicts, and instability is crucial for educational success,” said Grundfos Foundation CEO Kim Nøhr Skibsted. “By supporting these efforts, we aim to ensure that every child has a conducive space to learn and grow, thereby unlocking their potential.”

(Photo credit: Getty Images/Bartosz Hadyniak)