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

In Kenya, children are required to pay fees to attend pre-primary school (e.g., preschool). In addition, families must purchase the required school uniform and school supplies (even in preschool) or their child will be sent home from school. School uniforms cost between 1,500-3,500 Kenyan Shillings (USD $15-$35) – a substantial amount for those on an income of $2 per day as is typical for families in Kibera.  These costs prevent many parents from sending their children to preschool. When parents must choose between food, shelter and clothing, the cost of a uniform is seen as luxury and typically takes a backseat to the more essential needs.

St. Vincent’s deliberately selects children from among the most vulnerable families in Kibera – most of whom are cared for by single mothers, aunts or grandparents - to attend our preschool. We do this as part of our mission to ensure all children have a chance to be nurtured, loved and protected. Without intervention, children from these families would have no chance at attending preschool with all of its associated costs and would often times be left home unattended during the day, while their parents seek work.

To make this possible, each year we provide two sets of uniforms (i.e., sweater/shorts/shirts/socks for boys and sweater/dress/bloomers/socks for girls), along with free textbooks and exercise books to incoming children. In January 2018, we distributed uniforms to 30 new pupils in our nursery school. Coupled with the highly subsidized school feels we offer, which are intended to instill a sense of ownership and commitment to education among families, these supports enable Kibera’s most vulnerable children to access to early education.

Alice  joined our nursery school as Head Teacher six years ago. Since then, she has worked day and night to create a safe and loving learning environment for the 80 children in our nursery school. Hailing from the Kibera community herself, she brings both a passion for education and an understanding of the needs of the most vulnerable children in the community.

When Alice started with us, she was pursuing a diploma in education, balancing work and school by taking courses during holiday breaks. In 2012, she completed the diploma, but wasn't ready to stop there. In 2015, she registered for the Sustainable Human Development (e.g., social work) program at Koya University in Nairobi and received a partial scholarship from the university to join the incoming class. 

Recognizing Alice's passion for professional development, we were able to offer her a loan to cover the remaining portion of tuition. Alice began taking evening classes while continuing as our Head Teacher. On November 17th, after three years of hard work, we are proud to announce that Alice graduated with flying colors from the program. Alice now holds her Bachelor's of Arts in Sustainable Development/Social Work.

As Head Teacher for our nursery school, education is only one piece of Alice's day to day role. On a daily basis, Alice's ability to work hollistically with the parents, caregivers and families, is an equally critical piece of her job to support the development of the orphaned and vulnerable children that we serve. Alice must constantly address situations arising around violence or neglect in the home, parents/caregivers who abuse drugs or alcohol, children in need of HIV testing, and children that are malnourished -- to name just a few. A natural at working hand in hand with the families, Alice's studies in social work have better equipped her to effectively manage the many arising issues that our children face that threaten their healthy development.  

Congratulations to Alice! We know she already has her eyes set on a Master's Degree...but we are happy to be able to celebrate this huge accomplishment and what it means for our school in Kibera. She continues to be an asset to our children, families and community.