New UNICEF-Wildhorizon Partnership Paves Way for Education in Local District

 A landmark partnership aimed at ensuring every child in the District can attend school free from socio-economic barriers was formally launched today. UNICEF and the conservation organization Wildhorizon (WH) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signaling a united front to support education, health, and environmental stewardship.

The collaboration, announced at a signing ceremony, is designed to create a holistic learning environment, with a special emphasis on keeping girls in school. A key pillar of the initiative is the provision of proper hygiene and sanitation facilities, addressing a fundamental need for a healthy and conducive school environment.

Ms. Etona Ekole, speaking for UNICEF, highlighted the core mission of the partnership. “It is the desire of the partnership to keep the children at school, especially the girl child,” she stated. “Our focus is to provide proper hygiene and sanitation.” She further emphasized that as an organization dedicated to child welfare, UNICEF aims to ensure children are both protected and given opportunities to participate in various programmes. “Wildhorizon adds significant value to our efforts,” Ekole added.

Echoing this sentiment, Gary Archer the CEO of Wildhorizon reinforced the long-term importance of investing in children. “Children are our future leaders, and as such, they need the assistance from this partnership,” Archer said. “They need a healthy environment to learn from.”

Both Archer and Ekole confirmed that the partnership with Wildhorizon is not a short-term endeavor but a “long-term project which is here to stay.”

The alliance already has a strong foundation, currently supporting 44 schools across the District. The partnership uniquely blends educational support with environmental action, advancing biodiversity conservation and contributing to environmental stewardship and wellness initiatives.

Barbara Hughes Murasiranwa of Wildhorizon underscored her organization’s deep community roots and commitment to creating a lasting legacy. She intimated that WH is deeply rooted in the community and dedicated to creating a lasting impact through this collaboration.

This joint initiative between UNICEF and Wildhorizon represents a comprehensive approach to child development, linking the right to education with health, environmental consciousness, and community resilience, promising a brighter future for the District’s children.