Educate and Feed 85 At-Risk Kids in Kibera, Kenya

As our nursery school runs a three-year program, we usually find it difficult to let these children go. Every day, we watch them grow from timid toddlers to confident learners, ready to embrace the next phase of their education. It’s more than just academics; these children become a part of our family, filling our halls with laughter, curiosity, and endless wonder. The thought of saying goodbye tugs at our hearts, but we know it's a necessary step in their journey.

On the 24th of October, we will be celebrating the PP2 class with a colorful and joyous graduation party. It’s a day filled with excitement, pride, and bittersweet emotions as we reflect on their progress and look ahead to their bright futures. This year’s graduation will be particularly special, as we have carefully planned every detail to make it a memorable farewell for our little ones. The event will be filled with music, smiles, and tokens of our love and appreciation for their time with us.

As part of our tradition, we are going to buy them school bags and learning materials to enhance their transition to primary school. These gifts symbolize our continuous support and encouragement, even as they leave our nursery. We want them to carry not just their books, but also the values, kindness, and love they’ve received during their time here. It’s our way of showing them that although they are moving on, they will always have a piece of St. Vincent with them.

This graduation is not just an ending, but a heartfelt goodbye. We do this every year as a special way to celebrate the milestones they’ve achieved and the bond we’ve shared. For us, it’s never easy to let them go, but we take comfort in knowing that they leave us prepared and filled with confidence to take on the world ahead.

Over the past few months, Kenya, especially many parts of Nairobi, has been battered by relentless and devastating downpours. Across the country, many lives have been lost, leading to nationwide school closures for two weeks in April.

Families in Kibera have been significantly affected by the flooding, particularly those reliant on school feeding programs for their children. The majority of families in our community are struggling to access essential items such as food, clean water, and sanitary products, as the heavy rains have destroyed their places of livelihood.

At St. Vincent De Paul Organization in Kibera, we have proactively prepared for these challenges by ensuring a prompt emergency response. We are underway with distributing bedding, food, and other essential hygiene supplies to the children and families we serve. So far, we have reached out to 10 families among the 25 cases that have been reported to us.

Additionally, we are actively engaged in risk communication efforts to raise public awareness and promote preparedness to enhance the safety of our families and vulnerable children.

• Our Head teacher issuing beddings to a family (DOCX)
• Our Head teacher issuing beddings to a family (DOCX)