Creating Impact : Kole Interllectual Forum(KIFA) Emerges as Lifeline for PLE Dropouts

Kole District — In a district where many pupils have traditionally struggled to transition after sitting their Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE), Kole Interllectual Forum is emerging as a vital support system, offering renewed hope to vulnerable learners.

The forum, a community-driven initiative, is gaining recognition for tackling the growing challenge of school dropouts among PLE candidates. Each year, a significant number of pupils in Kole fail to proceed to secondary school due to financial constraints, poor academic performance, and social challenges such as early marriages and child labour.

Through mentorship programs, community dialogues, and partnerships with local leaders and educators, the forum identifies at-risk pupils and guides them toward alternative opportunities. These include re-enrollment in schools, vocational training, and life-skills development to promote self-reliance.

Local education stakeholders say the initiative is filling a critical gap in the district.“Many children used to lose direction after PLE, especially those who did not perform well,” said a local teacher. “But now, with the forum’s intervention, they are given a second chance to rebuild their future.”

Parents and guardians have also welcomed the initiative, noting that it is gradually transforming community attitudes toward education. 

By engaging families directly, the forum encourages continued support for children’s learning, even in financially constrained households.

One beneficiary, a former PLE candidate who dropped out due to lack of school fees, said the forum helped him enroll in a vocational training program.“I thought my education had ended,” he explained. “But now I am learning skills that will help me earn a living.”

On Monday, our team visited the forum’s office and training workshop in Kole Town Council, where several learners were actively engaged in tailoring and garment-making. The hands-on training program is equipping young people—especially girls and young mothers—with practical skills for employment and entrepreneurship.

In an interview, George Obua, the Executive Director Of Kole Interllectual Forum said that since the organization’s establishment, many school dropouts have been guided toward sustainable livelihoods beyond formal education.

“Most of the learners who dropped out had lost hope, but we are now empowering them with practical skills to rebuild their lives,” Obua said.

He revealed that in Kole District, a large percentage of PLE candidates who qualify for secondary education fail to enroll due to lack of school fees, difficult family backgrounds, and early marriages. As a result, the forum has stepped in to provide second chances through skills training and mentorship.

According to Obua, the organization has so far trained and supported over 200 girls with vocational skills, particularly in tailoring, with support from international partners( GobalGiving) Upon completing their training, many beneficiaries are provided with sewing machines to help them start small businesses and become financially independent.

“We don’t just train them—we also support them to start earning immediately after training,” he added.

Obua, a PhD holder, noted that his decision to serve in Kole District was driven by a desire to give back to his community, turning down opportunities in government and the private sector.

The forum has also expanded its programs to include child mothers and women within Kole Town Council, helping them acquire skills that improve their livelihoods and restore dignity.

Despite its growing impact, the Kole Interllectual Forum continues to face challenges, including limited funding and the need to extend its services to more remote areas. Leaders of the initiative are calling on government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and development partners to support and scale up their work.

Education officials in the district have praised the forum, describing it as a timely and transformative intervention in addressing school dropout rates.

As Kole District continues to face barriers to education, the Forum stands out as a beacon of hope—demonstrating that with community involvement, targeted support, and practical training, every child can be given a second chance to succeed.