In Kenya, there is an ongoing effort to address the issue of out-of-school children (OOSC), who are currently not enrolled in any educational institution. UNICEF, in partnership with County Directorates of Education (CDEs) and civil society organizations, is actively working to enrol and retain 250,000 out-of-school children through the Operation Come to School Phase 2 project. This vital initiative is being implemented in 16 Counties from December 2020 to December 2023.

To achieve this ambitious goal, UNICEF commissioned the OOSC Data Verification Exercise in January 2023. The exercise focused on verifying all enrolled OOSC in 1,950 target schools across the 16 Counties. Its objectives include reviewing and updating learner details in the online database, enlisting previously unreported OOSC, and verifying and updating school information. The exercise was undertaken in four main phases which include: planning and design phase, data collection phase, analysis and reporting phase, and closure and follow up phase. Within each phase specific steps were followed, and activities implemented to ensure successful delivery.

A total of 7,692 Yunitokers applied for the data verification exercise, and only 408 were shortlisted after a rigorous selection process. This continuous success story centres on one inspiring Yunitoker named Sally. A 19-year-old girl from a rural village in Kenya, Sally is passionate about education and deeply concerned about the welfare of OOSC in her community. Eager to make a difference, Sally eagerly applied to participate in the Yunitokers Data Verification Exercise when she heard about it.

As a selected Yunitoker, she received training in data collection and verification techniques. Assigned to a various school, she diligently gathered information on OOSC enrolment, attendance, and other pertinent data. Her commitment led her to engage with teachers and students. Which in turn has informed his 4^th year research paper on OOSC status in Kenya and the role of communities.

Sally’s unwavering dedication paid off. Through her efforts, she collected accurate data, ultimately helping more children in her community to enrol in school. Proud of her accomplishments, Sally is grateful for the opportunity to positively impact the lives of OOSC as well get a paid opportunity with Yunitok.

In conclusion the Yunitokers were able to successfully verify 62,156 enrolled OOSC (28,758 girls and 33,398 boys) in 1,738 schools. The exercise is a testament to the dedication and hard work of young people like Jane. These passionate individuals are making a real difference as well as showcase that young people if given a chance they can fully deliver.