Today is our graduation day,” one young student enthusiastically exclaimed, her face glowing with excitement as she prepared to cross a significant milestone in her educational journey.
The scene on the Del Monte Kenya Limited grounds in Thika was filled with vibrant energy as 19 Early Childhood Education (ECD) students celebrated their graduation in 2024. Adorned in colorful graduation gowns, the young learners waited eagerly to hear their names called out – a proud moment marking their transition to Grade One.
The graduation ceremony was not only a celebration of academic achievement but also a demonstration of Del Monte Kenya’s longstanding commitment to the well-being and future success of its employees’ children. The occasion was an emotional one, as these children are a part of the wider Del Monte Kenya community, where education is a key pillar of workforce development. The event also highlighted Del Monte’s ongoing efforts to empower the next generation by providing them with the tools for a bright future.
Teacher Lilian Atieno, who has worked at one of the schools under Del Monte’s educational initiative, explained the significance of the day. “All school-going children living on Del Monte’s vast property are entitled to early childhood education at the facility, free of charge,” she said. This policy ensures that the children of the company’s workers do not have to bear the financial burden of school fees during their formative years. For Del Monte Kenya, investing in education is as vital as investing in its workforce, and this initiative serves as one of the many ways the company gives back to its dedicated employees.
Del Monte Kenya operates eight schools spread across different estates within its expansive property, serving children of all employees. These schools offer three distinct levels of education, catering to the various stages of a child’s educational journey. From Early Childhood Education to Primary School, these facilities ensure that students receive a well-rounded and high-quality education that will set them on a successful academic path.
“The schools, through the support of Del Monte Kenya, are working to ensure that both boys and girls have access to quality early childhood development, care, and pre-primary education,” Teacher Atieno added. She emphasized that the company’s focus is not only on providing education but also on fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment where both genders are equally encouraged to excel. This commitment to gender equality helps to level the playing field, offering each child an equal opportunity to succeed academically.
This initiative is especially important in a country like Kenya, where access to quality education remains a challenge for many. Del Monte Kenya’s proactive approach addresses this issue by ensuring that the children of its workers do not face barriers to education. The company’s support for its employees extends beyond just salaries; it encompasses the health, welfare, and education of their families as well. By providing educational opportunities from a young age, Del Monte not only invests in its workforce’s future but also contributes to the overall growth and development of the surrounding community.
The role of education in workforce development cannot be overstated. By equipping children with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in school, Del Monte Kenya is helping to build a strong foundation for the next generation of workers. These children, who graduate from ECD, are more likely to continue their education and eventually contribute positively to society and the economy.
In conclusion, Del Monte Kenya’s commitment to providing accessible education and workforce development is a powerful example of corporate social responsibility in action. By investing in the education of its employees’ children, the company is not only shaping their futures but also creating a more educated and skilled workforce for the future. As these young graduates take their first steps toward primary school and beyond, they carry with them the promise of brighter, more fulfilling futures, empowered by the opportunities provided by Del Monte Kenya.
