Uasin Gishu Hosts EERUI 2025 Gala Celebrating Children as the Future
Daycare helps children to grow, to socialise, and to become independent. I thank EERUI for walking this journey with us,” she said.
They applauded the collaboration that has empowered children and their families throughout the county, saying early learning remains one of the soundest investments in the future. Photo/Achieng Kemuma
By Brenda Muriithi
The County Government of Uasin Gishu, in partnership with EERUI, hosted the colourful and emotional EERUI 2025 Gala under the theme “Children, Our Hope, Our Future.” The event brought together government officials, teachers, caregivers, and community leaders to reflect on the progress made in early childhood education and to renew their commitment to protecting and empowering children.
The event started with the registration of guests, welcoming them to the county grounds, followed by the national anthem, and an opening prayer led by Fred Nyabando, who prayed for wisdom and strength upon the continued mission of nurturing and safeguarding the younger generation. Steve and David Magut, on behalf of EERUI and the Uasin Gishu County Government, respectively, gave the opening remarks. They commended the ongoing partnership that has served to uplift children and families throughout the county, noting that investment in early learning remains among the surest foundations for a better tomorrow.
When Wycliffe Ong’ayi had given his opening sermon, the mood indeed turned reflective because he reminded all who were present that the protection of children is both a divine calling and moral responsibility for all persons in society. His words of hope, unity, and gratefulness to caregivers who dedicated their lives to molding young minds really struck a chord in the hearts of the audience.
EERUI has been instrumental in enhancing the capacity of caregivers and parents through the provision of training, supporting early learning centers, and promoting inclusivity and gender equality. The gala was not only a time for recognizing but also sharing stories of transformation.
Marion Birgen from the Department of Gender Equality and Women’s Rights expressed how important the day is to them. “Today is a happy day. We have gathered here with all members of our community to celebrate the birth of our child, a symbol of our shared hope. As the Department of Gender Equality and Women’s Rights, our mandate is to protect that child and ensure that no child is left behind,” she says.
The highlight of the day was the caregivers’ testimonies, which reflected resilience, growth, and empowerment. Violet Simboi, a teacher and village elder, shared her inspiring journey. “When we started this, I was here as a teacher and a village elder. Many thought I was crazy, but now they can see I wasn’t wrong. We have learned, we have grown, and we are ready to put our knowledge to work,” she said. She urged fellow graduates not to shelve their certificates but to use their skills to transform their communities. “Let’s not put these certificates in boxes. Let’s make them work — for our children, our families, and our future,” she added, drawing applause from the crowd.
Another caregiver, Irene Yemenza, expressed gratitude to EERUI and said, “I manage children in Iruwi, and I am very grateful to EERUI for teaching us and giving us knowledge that has changed our work and our lives.” Rose Karigo Mwanga, a champion caregiver, shared how the training by EERUI reshaped her understanding of childcare. “We have learned how to raise children both at home and in our centres. Daycare helps children to grow, to socialise, and to become independent. I thank EERUI for walking this journey with us,” she said.
Other participants, who included Melda Annette and Monica Okot, reiterated the same sentiments, lauding EERUI for its practical training programs that improved their caregiving skills and empowered them to emerge as confident women leaders in their communities.
The gala featured performances, speeches by guests, and the long-awaited issuance of certificates to the graduates of the caregiver training program headed by EERUI. The session of awards led by Wycliffe and Naomi also recognized outstanding individuals and groups that had greatly contributed to child growth and development, and early education. He concluded by reiterating EERUI’s commitment to grassroots empowerment and promised to continue working closely with county and national government agencies. “Every certificate we give today represents not just achievement, but a promise — a promise to nurture, protect, and uplift every child in our care,” he said. As evening fell, a sense of unity and purpose lingered in the air. The gala re-entrenched Uasin Gishu County’s commitment to ensuring that all children grow up in safe, nurturing, and enabling environments founded on education, equality, and hope. “When we protect the child, we protect our future,” said one caregiver as the celebrations concluded. The EERUI 2025 Gala was not just an event; it was a testament of faith, community, and a shared dream for generations onward.
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