RISE:
Kenya
Partnering with schools to implement a curriculum-based program that builds life skills, deepens social-emotional learning, and transforms gender stereotypes.
The RISE curriculum engages students, teachers, parents and caregivers, and government stakeholders, leading to systemic, sustainable change.
Impact Through Collaboration
Girl Rising has been delivering education programs in Kenya for over a decade, in collaboration with schools and community-based organisations that offer innovative solutions to girls’ education. Together we reach adolescents from marginalised communities, improving the quality of education, addressing deep-seated social norms.
In 2024 the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development accredited RISE Kenya, as part of the of the government’s new competency-based curriculum.
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Stories Ignite Discovery
RISE is founded on storytelling’s ability to introduce complex topics, build empathy and understanding, catalyze social change, and foster confidence in the storytellers themselves. The program builds:
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self-efficacy,
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agency,
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gender-equitable attitudes, and
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education and career aspirations.
The longer-term intended outcomes:
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reduced girls’ school dropout rates
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increased aspiration for higher education, prevention of early marriage,
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increased 21st-century skills for pursuing greater career opportunities.
Young people who participate in RISE become strong advocates for themselves and for their communities.
"I would like one day to become an advocate of human rights"
-Cynthia,
a participant in our program with partner Sunflower Trust
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With the RISE curriculum, we are reaching thousands students through in-person to try to change that.
In Kenya
18% of women aged 25+ have completed secondary
education
Girls in rural areas face enormous pressure to drop out of school
Integrating RISE + the Girls First Institute
This year, we launched Naserian, a two-year pilot in 2026 in Narok County, Kenya, where rates of teenage pregnancy, school dropout, and female genital mutilation remain among the highest in the country.
Naserian brings together the Girls First Institute and RISE to connect learning in schools with support in communities. The programme strengthens girls’ confidence, supports school re-enrollment, and builds lasting support for girls’ education among parents, caregivers, and teachers. Lessons from Naserian will help shape how this approach is scaled in the future.
Naserian will reach 2ooo adolescents in schools and 6500 out-of-school girls, building confidence, skills and the power to shape their futures.
Program Implementing Partners
Sunflower Trust
