Changemaker

The baseline data collection was conducted from 3^rd September to 2^nd October 2025, marking another important step in understanding and improving adolescent health, nutrition, and wellbeing. The activity engaged about 768 learners from four primary schools; Obinju, Wandiege, Manyatta, and Arina with the collective effort of dedicated research teams and school communities. Led by Mr. George Aol, the Study Coordinator at KEMRI Kenya, alongside Mr. Aggrey Ongweso, Mr. Leonard Oyuga, Mr. Nehemiah Abongo, Mr. Nashon Odhiambo, and Ms. Rhodah Nekesa, the data collection employed 25 trained research assistants, who worked closely with school administrators, teachers, and guardians to ensure ethical, youth-centered, and participatory engagement throughout the process.

The exercise began with guardian sensitization and consenting sessions, during which parents and caregivers were introduced to the Changemaker Project’s goals and objectives. Through these sessions, guardians provided informed consent, enabling their children in Grades 6 and 7 to participate in the study.

Each participating student was guided through the data collection process with care and professionalism. Research assistants obtained assent from adolescents, conducted interviews, and facilitated health assessments, including haemoglobin measurements and MUACz (Mid-Upper Arm Circumference) readings, following standardized ethical protocols. The activity emphasized participant comfort, offering short breaks, refreshments, and tokens of appreciation to create a supportive and positive research experience.

Throughout the data collection period, teamwork, coordination, and community engagement stood out as key strengths. School administrators played an instrumental role in mobilizing learners and supporting logistical arrangements, while guardians demonstrated strong commitment by ensuring their children’s participation.

The insights gathered from this baseline will play a crucial role in shaping Changemaker’s next steps, particularly in designing and implementing interventions that connect classroom learning, health promotion, and sustainable school-based innovations.

As the Changemaker Project moves forward, the Kisumu experience stands as a testament to what collaboration between researchers, schools, and communities can achieve, building the foundation for a healthier and more empowered generation of young people in Kenya and across Africa.

By Ms. Rhodah Nekesa.