Improving Education and Nutrition for Vulnerable Children in Mathare, Nairobi
Located in the heart of Nairobi, Mathare Kosovo is the second-largest slum in the city, where poverty and lack of basic resources are part of daily life. With an average income of less than 2 euros per day, many families struggle to meet the essential needs of their children, including food, education, and healthcare. Living conditions are dire, with families often residing in small, corrugated iron huts, without electricity, running water, or sanitation facilities.
Although preschool and primary education in Kenya has been officially free since 2003, many parents in Mathare still face significant barriers. Despite the promise of free public schooling, parents report spending up to 100 euros per child annually on school fees, uniforms, books, and stationery. Such costs are unaffordable for many families in the slum, leading to widespread exclusion of children from education.
As a result, many children in Mathare are left unsupervised during school hours, playing in the streets or wandering aimlessly, without adult guidance. This leaves them highly vulnerable to exploitation and danger, including gang recruitment, trafficking, drug and alcohol abuse, and sexual violence. Additionally, without education, these children face an increased risk of staying trapped in extreme poverty for the rest of their lives.
To address these challenges, Roots Institute Center has taken a bold initiative by establishing a community school that provides free education, as well as daily meals for the children. The center focuses on early childhood and primary education, ensuring that children from disadvantaged backgrounds have access to quality education in a safe environment.
Project Goals:
The primary goal of the project called "Learning with Dignity" supported by the Endowment Fud, is to improve the learning conditions for underserved children in Mathare, from early childhood through primary school. The project aims to guarantee that the school remains open to provide free, quality education and nutritious meals to the children it serves.
Key Activities:
Training Educators and Community Leaders: To ensure that children receive quality education, the project will train teachers, parents, and community leaders to improve their knowledge and skills in supporting children's learning and development.
Renovating Facilities: The school infrastructure will be upgraded, including classrooms and playgrounds, to create a safe and conducive learning environment.
Providing Educational Materials: The project will acquire necessary educational materials such as stationery, learning games, and books to enrich the learning experience.
Implementing a Daily Feeding Program: In addition to providing education, the project will ensure that each child receives two nutritious meals a day, which is crucial in a community where hunger is a daily struggle.
By focusing on education and nutrition, Roots Institute Center aims to break the cycle of poverty for children in Mathare Kosovo, offering them hope and opportunities for a brighter future.