Social protection, Youth and Women Empowerment

APaD is committed to advocating for the needs of pastoralist communities in Turkana and surrounding regions, focusing on critical issues such as illiteracy, lack of education, and harmful traditional practices. Through advocacy and awareness creation, APaD strives to address the root causes of social challenges that hinder the development of these communities. Advocacy for Education: APaD works to raise awareness about the importance of education for both boys and girls. In pastoralist communities, early child marriages and herding activities often keep children—especially girls—out of school. APaD actively advocates for the value of education, aiming to shift cultural attitudes and encourage families to prioritize schooling over early marriages or child labor. Ending Early Child Marriages: APaD focuses on creating awareness around the harmful effects of early child marriages, which limit girls' opportunities for education, health, and overall development. Through community dialogues, education campaigns, and partnerships with local leaders, APaD works to empower families to protect girls' rights to education and personal development. Engaging Boys in Education: APaD also advocates for young boys who are often kept out of school due to herding duties. APaD’s programs encourage families to ensure that boys receive an education while still participating in pastoral activities, helping to balance cultural practices with the need for formal education. By addressing these barriers and advocating for change, APaD helps pave the way for better educational opportunities, improved livelihoods, and empowered communities in Turkana and beyond. Other than the focus on education, APaD works to see Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) receive a fair treatment. PWDs exist in all communities and the pastoral community is not an exception, hence APaD found it crucial to highlight disability awareness through educating the local community in Turkana County and the entire Karamoja cluster, by trying to understand the local beliefs that shape the cultural belief of disability.