Programmes
How we work
We work through collaboration with schools, families, civil society, and government agencies to ensure our programs are inclusive, culturally sensitive, and youth-centered.
Our work is organized around :
• Academic Development
• Mentorship
• Skills and Talent Development
• Entrepreneurship Training
• Community Service and Leadership
These are supported by cross-cutting themes: Gender equality, sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR), mental health, and climate justice.
Academic Development
Education is at the heart of everything we do at Siaya Education Project (SEP). Through our Academic Development Programme, we support students from low-income families to stay in school, excel in their studies, and pursue brighter futures.
Scholarship Programme
Launched in 2015, our Scholarship Programme helps talented but financially disadvantaged students attend and complete secondary school.
Each year, we provide full or partial scholarships to around 25 students—covering school fees, uniforms, stationery, and personal essentials. Since inception, we’ve supported over 300 students across Siaya County.
Our rigorous selection process prioritizes:
• Genuine financial need
• Strong discipline and academic potential
• Commitment to learning and leadership
Impact Highlights
“As a grandmother raising a child alone, SEP lifted a huge burden from my shoulders.” — Nya Ng’iya (Guardian of SEP Beneficiary)
“SEP made it possible for me to go to school when I had no hope. I can now dream of becoming a lawyer.” — Susan Adhiambo (Advocate in Training, Kenya School of law)
“Without SEP, I would have dropped out. Today, I’m finishing my degree in Medical Engineering.” — Hillary Ogutu (Kirinyaga University)
🎯 Our Goal To reduce school dropout rates among vulnerable youth and build long-term educational equity for future generations.
Mentorship Programme
At Siaya Education Project (SEP), we understand that education challenges in Kenya go beyond the classroom. Overcrowding, limited resources, and lack of personalized support often hold students back—especially those from low-income backgrounds. Our Mentorship Programme fills this gap by offering free academic support and life skills training during school holidays in April, August, and December. Led by volunteer teachers and mentors, these sessions help students review classwork, build confidence, and grow in key areas of personal development. To date, the programme has reached over 1,500 young people across Siaya County, equipping them with academic, emotional, and leadership skills that last a lifetime.
💬 Student Voice
“This programme has eliminated us from idleness. Most young people spend time doing the wrong things. SEP keeps us focused.” — (Ahinda Artaxerxes, Former student at Nyasanda Community School)
💡 Why Mentorship Matters
When youth lack structure and guidance, they face increased risks of:
• Violence and peer pressure
• Substance abuse
• Child labour & early pregnancy
• Mental health struggles
Our programme keeps students engaged, inspired, and focused on their futures—offering a safe space to learn, grow, and build resilience.
🌱 Building Life Skills for the Future
Education is more than academics. That’s why our mentorship sessions include soft skills development to help students thrive in school and beyond.
• Problem solving
• Public speaking
• Leadership & teamwork
• Digital and financial literacy
• Communication
• Emotional intelligence
We also provide guidance and counselling services to promote mental, emotional, and reproductive health, ensuring that students feel supported in all areas of their lives.
🛠️ Skills Acquisition Programme (SAP)
Not all students thrive in traditional classrooms—and at Siaya Education Project (SEP), we believe in nurturing every kind of talent. Our Skills Acquisition Programme (SAP) is designed to support young people with practical skills, creative talents, and a passion for hands-on learning.
Through SAP, we’re helping youth explore alternative pathways to success in areas like:
• Technical trades
• Creative arts
• Digital and vocational skills
🧩 How It Works
The programme follows three stages:
1. Learning: Exposure to new skills and techniques
2. Practice: Guided activities to build competence
3. Mastery: Real-world application in community or market settings
We’ve begun integrating SAP into our mentorship sessions and are now working to establish dedicated Skills Acquisition Centres (SACs)—safe, well-equipped spaces where youth can train, experiment, and grow their potential.
💡 Why It Matters
By recognizing and investing in non-academic talents, we’re ensuring no young person is left behind. SAP prepares youth for the real economy, builds self-confidence, and expands career opportunities—especially for those facing barriers in formal education.
💼 Entrepreneurship Development
At Siaya Education Project (SEP), we believe entrepreneurship is more than starting a business—it’s a tool for problem-solving, innovation, and community transformation. Our Entrepreneurship Development Programme equips youth with the mindset and skills to build self-sustaining futures, create jobs, and lead positive change in their communities.
🚀 What We Teach
Through hands-on training and mentorship, young people gain:
• Leadership and communication skills
• Business strategy and planning
• Project and financial management
• Creative thinking and innovation
• Organizational development
🌍 Why It Matters
Youth face a rapidly changing economy—and formal employment opportunities are limited. By investing in youth-led entrepreneurship, we help young people:
• Problem solving
• Public speaking
• Leadership & teamwork
Our goal is to nurture future-ready, socially conscious entrepreneurs who drive lasting impact in their communities.
🤝 Community Service & Leadership
At Siaya Education Project (SEP), we see community service as a powerful tool for building youth leadership, social responsibility, and personal growth. Our programme encourages young people to give back to their communities through structured, volunteer-driven activities. In doing so, they develop the skills, values, and networks needed to become active citizens and changemakers.
🌱 Why Community Service Matters
Community service helps youth:
• Build a sense of belonging and empathy
• Understand real-world social challenges
• Explore career interests through hands-on experiences
• Strengthen public speaking, teamwork, and problem-solving
• Expand peer and professional networks
💬 Our Approach
From local clean-ups to peer mentoring, SEP engages students in projects that serve others while nurturing confidence, leadership, and critical thinking. We believe service not only benefits communities—it transforms the young people who lead it.
🔗 Cross-Cutting Issues
At Siaya Education Project (SEP), we recognize that education doesn’t exist in isolation. Our programs address the broader challenges that shape young people’s lives—gender inequality, mental health, and the climate crisis. These cross-cutting themes are embedded across all SEP initiatives to ensure a truly holistic and equitable approach to youth empowerment.
🔸 Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR)
Teenage pregnancy and limited access to youth-friendly services are major challenges in Siaya County. SEP responds through a dedicated SRHR programme focused on:
• Comprehensive sexuality education
• Gynaecological care and reproductive health support
• Counselling and safe spaces for teen mothers
• Community sensitization to reduce stigma and promote gender equity
Our goal is to empower out-of-school girls and young mothers with accurate information, healthcare access, and the dignity to make informed choices.
🧠 Mental, Emotional & Physical Well-being
Adolescence is a time of intense change—and many young people lack the support systems to cope. SEP’s Well-being Programme offers:
• Group and individual counselling
• Emotional resilience and stress management tools
• Workshops on relationships, peer pressure, and mental health awareness
🌍 Environmental Conservation & Climate Justice
Communities in Siaya are already feeling the effects of climate change—from drought and food insecurity to waterborne diseases. SEP promotes climate justice through:
• Environmental education and awareness campaigns
• Tree planting and reforestation
• Rainwater harvesting and clean energy education
• School-based waste management and recycling
• Training in climate-smart agriculture
