Keep Kibera Slums School Open for Children in Need
In March 2018, the four of us had the absolute honor to visit Grace of the Lord Academy school in the Kibera Slums of Kenya. We had one of those days - the kind that leaves you changed. That opens your eyes wider than you thought possible.
When we booked this tour of the slums, back in our comfortable homes in San Diego, we had no idea what to expect. We just knew that while we were visiting Kenya, we wanted to see more than just the gorgeous landscape and beautiful animals. We knew there were communities that were in need of help and felt called to serve in whatever small way we could.
We visited a school in the slums. Where the kids came from families with nothing. Like think of your definition of nothing and then divide it in half and subtract everything. In the slums, homes don't come with bathrooms or showers. There might be 1 bathroom for every 100 people in some areas. And I saw a sign that advertised a warm shower for a penny, but in most cases that is not something many can afford.
The school consists of a few small buildings, dirt floors, benches and limited supplies. There's no running water. We brought a water filter with us, which they are still using 3 times a week when they get water. Kibera only gets water delivered to the area 3 times a week and sometimes there is a line a couple hours long to get it.
There are about 150 students in the school, which charges a very small fee to attend. The teachers are all volunteers who recognize the power of education. It's difficult to "get out" of a life in the slums but an education is a good first step.
What the students lacked in resources, they did not lack in personality. They were joyous, playful, silly and energetic. They were normal kids in that sense.
We brought them art supplies and stickers - items they had never seen before. They were thrilled. They ended up with stickers all over their bodies, and they thought it was the most hilarious thing ever.
When we left, we left them the little money we had left and the promise to send more.
Their needs are endless really.
We just got an update that they owe over 4 months rent and they don't have enough funding for their food program, which is affecting their attendance.
Our goal with this campaign is to not only keep the school from closing, but to fund the school and its food program for a year.
Thank you for contributing and giving the innocent children of Kibera an opportunity for an education!
With love,
Jessie, Sally, Pam and Kristen
p.s. for more on our day in Kibera, visit here .
