By Richard Oluoch | Project Leader
Transforming Lives Through Education
The Mathare Children’s Fund Panairobi (MCFP) is committed to breaking the cycle of poverty for children living in one of Nairobi’s largest informal settlements. Through our school scholarship program, we identify vulnerable children, return them to school, and walk with them throughout their academic journey until they are able to stand on their own.
A Story of Transformation: Mary
Mary (not her real name) is one of our proud success stories. Raised by a single mother in a 6-by-6 tin house without electricity or running water, Mary faced an uncertain future. Her mother, who survived on casual jobs such as hand laundry, could not afford school fees for all her children. As a result, Mary dropped out of school while in Class Four.
In 2010, MCFP staff identified Mary while conducting outreach on the streets. After a background assessment, she was re-enrolled into school under our scholarship program and supported all the way through her education. She successfully completed primary and secondary school, and later joined Mount Kenya University for a Bachelor’s degree in Community Development. On 8th August 2025, she proudly graduated.
Today, Mary is employed by a Nairobi-based organization, enabling her to support her family and give back to her community—an achievement that once seemed impossible.
In Her Own Words
“My name is Mary and I’m a beneficiary of the MCFP school program. I got the sponsorship in the year 2010 at the primary school level after dropping out due to lack of fees. The MCFP funded my education from primary to university. I recently graduated with a Bachelor in Community Development. I want to give my sincerest gratitude to the donors and everyone who made the program successful because they are the people who made this possible for me.
From my childhood, I dreamed of studying at the university or beyond, but because of our circumstances, I always feared my dream would be cut short. MCFP made it possible, and I’m deeply grateful. The program not only supported my academics but also ensured we had a safe place to study during the school holidays, provided training and trips, and monitored our progress to keep us on the right path. MCFP was a family. For this, I will forever be grateful. To the donors who made this possible, I say thank you.”
Impact Beyond One Child
Mary’s journey is just one example of the hundreds of children whose lives have been transformed through the MCFP School Scholarship Program. Many of our beneficiaries were once at risk of street life, substance abuse, or mob violence—tragic realities faced by children in the streets of Nairobi.
Through the support of generous donors, MCFP offers not just school fees, but holistic care, mentorship, and a supportive community that nurtures dreams and restores hope.
Call to Action
We invite you to join us in making more success stories like Mary’s possible. By donating to the Mathare Children’s Fund Panairobi through the GlobalGiving Fund, you will be directly transforming the lives of vulnerable children from the slums of Mathare —rescuing them from the streets and giving them a future filled with promise.
Together, we can empower the next generation of leaders, professionals, and change-makers who will uplift their families and communities.
Your support today creates lasting change tomorrow.
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