By: Patrick Gichohi Kibe
Project Coordinator
Champion of Education: Ekal’s Journey from Volunteer to Assistant Chief
Ekal Ekeno Peterson hails from Kapedo, a remote village nestled within the rugged Suguta Valley, a region known for its nomadic pastoralist communities and persistent insecurity. As the fifth of six children, Ekal’s upbringing was marked by the challenges of poverty and instability. However, his pastoralist parents recognized the value of education and ensured their children received formal schooling—a rare but powerful gift in a community often constrained by tradition and harsh living conditions.
Ekal attended Lomelo Primary School, a local public primary school, and later advanced to RCEA Lokori Boys Secondary School in Turkana East. Against the backdrop of insecurity and limited resources, he managed to complete his basic education—an achievement in itself. Driven by a desire to continue learning, Ekal enrolled in a diploma course in Human Resource Management at the African Institute for Research and Development in Nakuru City.
Upon returning to Kapedo, Ekal volunteered as a teacher at Kapedo Girls Primary School. His passion for education and dedication to his community were immediately apparent. As a volunteer, he went beyond the classroom to ensure that girls, many of whom were at risk of dropping out due to harmful cultural practices, could continue their education.
When Girl Child Network and Aidlink launched the Let Girls Learn project in Kapedo in July 2022, Ekal’s journey took another significant turn. The project required the recruitment of community facilitators (CFs) from the village, affiliated with target schools. The role of CFs was to act as a bridge between the school and the community, advocating for children’s right to education and challenging cultural barriers that hindered progress. The Board of Management at Kapedo Girls Primary School unanimously recommended Ekal for the role, citing his dedication, trustworthiness, and ability to communicate effectively. He was soon appointed as the CF for Kapedo Girls Primary School.
Right: Ekal making a presentation during a CF training; Left: Ekal addressing people at a local church in Kapedo
As part of his role, Ekal received training alongside other CFs on topics such as community conversations, children’s rights, and male engagement in promoting positive masculinity. Armed with this knowledge, Ekal set out to address some of the most pressing issues facing his community—harmful cultural practices, especially those that affected the education of girls and children with disabilities. Through persistent community conversations, Ekal helped shift social norms, convincing parents to prioritize education and encouraging those who had dropped out to return to school. His efforts led to a significant change in attitudes, and more children, particularly girls, were able to continue their education.
Ekal’s tireless work did not go unnoticed. In recognition of his service to the community and his academic qualifications, he was appointed Assistant Chief of Silale Sub-Location, Kapedo Location, in Turkana County’s Suguta Sub-County. The pride of the Kapedo community in Ekal’s achievements is palpable—he had long dedicated himself to improving the lives of others, even before his formal appointment in local government. As Assistant Chief, Ekal is committed to continuing his advocacy for children’s rights, working tirelessly to end harmful cultural practices that hinder education and the well-being of children in his community.
Ekal during his installation as Assistant Chief of Silale Sub-Location
At Girl Child Network, we celebrate Ekal and are immensely proud of his journey from a volunteer community facilitator to an administrative leader in local government. His story is a testament to the power of education, community engagement, and unwavering commitment to service. We wish him the very best as he continues to serve his community, and we look forward to seeing the incredible impact he will continue to make in the years to come.
