WERK

About

WERK (Women Educational Researchers of Kenya) is a Professional Association of researchers in education and social science. Though the seeds were sown earlier in 1993, the name WERK was formally adopted in 1995/96 and registered in 2000. It does not discriminate on grounds of race, ethnicity, religion gender or nationality. However, prospective members must demonstrate commitment to the goals of WERK.

WERK in working in emergencies and development programs with particular interest in arid and semi-arid areas, informal settlements and in areas that are considered hardship areas. WERK is also working with communities that considered vulnerable. Our presence is in Mombasa, Kilifi, Kwale, Narok, Kajiado, Lamu, Malindi, Marsabit, Nairobi, Eldoret, Nakuru, Kisumu, Turkana, Samburu, Tana River, Siaya, Garissa, Isiolo, Kiambu, Bungoma, Nandi, Elgeyo Marakwet, Meru, Embu, Machakos and lately Wajir, among other areas. On the global arena, WERK has done some work in regions such as Somalia, Ethiopia, Uganda, Tanzania, South Sudan, Sudan, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Kenya, South Africa, Rwanda and Mozambique among other nations.

Vision

A society that values the centrality of knowledge for the creation of a humane, equitable and prosperous society.

Mission

The Mission of WERK is to contribute to knowledge generation and utilization through linking research to policy and action.

Core Values

• Equity: Fairness and justice in access to opportunities.
• Inclusivity: Promoting the value of diversity in terms of age, gender, race, ethnicity, religion, and non-discrimination on the basis of socio-economic status; sensory and physical ability.
• Integrity: Upholding values of truth, honesty, honor, ethical conduct and accountability.
• Excellence: Striving for rigor and professionalism in research and all our activities.
• Learning: Mentoring and nurturing researchers especially women

WERK Objectives

Research

Conduct educational and social science research; develop the capacity of young researchers especially women; re-activate local community knowledge through utilizing community capacities and resources in knowledge generation and share knowledge with the public and other actors at all levels.

Advocacy

Carry out evidence-based advocacy and action locally and globally through networking with individuals, communities, government and other institutions; develop evidence-based strategies to address issues likely to affect development and empowerment of women and girls, men and boys and articulate WERK’s position on key strategic and national issues that touch on its vision and mission.

Learning

Pursue continued self-improvement and nurture a learning culture through fostering a community of practice in research and advocacy; forging linkages with like-minded persons and institutions; Inspiring change agents in pursuit of WERK’s vision and reflection on and documenting experiences for the betterment of practice.

Location

Nairobi, Kenya

AHEEN Involvement

The Women Educational Researchers of Kenya WERK is responsible for the following AHEEN RDP pathways contributions:

• Legal Host to refugee led organization (RLOs) including financial management and reporting obligations
• Mentoring and strengthening of skills and competencies of RLOs staff for Governance, monitoring and Evaluation, administrative support
• Management of four learning Hubs (Turkana West Educational Hub -TWEH, Liz Ahua, KU-Dadaab Centre for BHER and YES IFO1 Learning Hub.
• Gender and Disability Audits and Inclusion
• Athletics and Education Program/Project management
• Secondary school program management