Our current 2024 programs are focused on the children living in the two large slum areas in Nairobi, Kenya. Our program in Mukuru focuses on bringing and keeping more children into school, and our program in Kibera aims to support better learning outcomes.

Kibera is the largest informal settlement in Africa where an estimated 500,000 to 750,000 people are living in just 2.25 square kilometers. Mukuru is not far behind in size, with an estimated 500,000 people living in about 100,000 informal dwellings.

Rooftops in Kibera’s informal settlement area.

Mukuru Education Program

We are supporting YOD International with a grant that covers the full 2024 school fees and expenses of 25 primary school students and 19 secondary school students living in Mukuru, one of Nairobi’s largest slum areas.

YOD International has worked in the area since 2006 and has built up deep networks with the vulnerable families and youths in the community.

The 44 students were selected by YOD International from among those who are most at risk of dropping out of the schooling system entirely.

School children enjoying their lunch at St. Catherine Primary School in Mukuru.

More information about YOD International can be found on their website [here].

Kibera School Library Program

We are supporting the Turning Point Trust with a grant that will cover the costs of all the books needed for the establishment of a school library within the Fountains of Hope Primary School and the Kianda Children’s Centre Pre-school to benefit their 180 students.

The libraries will offer children’s storybooks in English and Kiswahili so the students can engage in interactive reading activities on a regular basis. The libraries will also offer fun environments that are conducive for sustained reading creativity and engagement.

Studies demonstrate that strong school library programs help students do better academically. Many of the required literacy skills can be developed through dedicating time for sustained silent reading, and opportunities to read for pleasure are associated with a wealth of literacy benefits.

The Turning Point Trust was established in 2003 and targets out of school children or children who have delayed starting school. The children typically enter school with low cognitive, social emotional and other skills needed to learn effectively.

Student at Fountains of Hope Primary School (credits: The Turning Point Trust).

More information about the Turning Point Trust can be found on their website [here].