Distribution of School Fees, January 2014

Beatrice Muthoni is all smiles as she recieves her cheque to pay for her children’s school fees.A Grand Occasion!

The distribution of cheques for school fees provides a grand occasion to invite local government officials, and to celebrate the workers and caregivers! It is an occasion for speeches, information sharing and general praise and encouragement for KCU.

District Children’s Officer warns about child trafficking

The District children’s officer explains the services her office offers. And then she addresses what are apparently every day problems and issues in Kibera. She urges her listeners to be vigilant, and to watch out for people who traffic children. She encourages them to utilize the micro-loan fund well, and reminds them that making the children work is illegal. Not only does it snatch from the children valuable time to play and study, but it also exposes them to exploitation.

KCU Programme Officer explains the importance of paying back micro-loans

Leonora Obara gives a brief background of KCU, and specifically talks about the micro-loan fund, how it is given out and why it needs to be paid back. She also explains that as much there are two clusters, the total number who feel the impact of KCU are more than 300 hundred.

Peer Educator teaches what to do when raped

Peer educator, Zaituni Matao Abdalla, currently a volunteer at KCU, tells the guardians about children’s rights: the right to play, the right to education, shelter, food and clothing. She also addresses everyday issues for people living in the slum community, with no police and few services. She tells her listeners what to do if raped and who to report it to when it occurs. The shocking fact is that most women residents of Kibera have experienced rape at one time or another. She also speaks about substance abuse, protection against HIV/ AIDS and building peace.

Orphan caregiver appeals for support  for post secondary education

Millicent Atieno speaks on behalf of cluster one members. She thanks KCU for the support and takes the opportunity of government officials being present to request the Government to accord KCU the support it needs to fulfill their mandate.

She also brings to the attention of the District Officer the needs of children who are currently beyond KCU funding and asks for government support, for example, with post secondary school education.

Praise for changed life through KCU!

Christine Musyoki speaks on behalf of cluster two. She reminds the District Officer of the days when she was a perpetual visitor at his office. This is no longer the case, as KCU has changed things for the better for its members.

Government Official Praises KCU for peacemaking and self-improvement

When the District Officer stands to answer questions, he goes further, thanking the guardians for having participated peacefully in the General Elections. Their participation in KCU activities as a group proves that that they can live in harmony, regardless of their ethnicity. Poverty, illiteracy, disease and other maladies have no ethnic boundaries. 

He further urges the guardians to inculcate values of hard work and discipline in the children as they (children )will act as role models to their peers.  He commends KCU and says that soon he will be introducing the area Member of Parliament to KCU.  Ken Okoth, who runs Children of Kibera Foundation, is the area MP.

The District Officer stresses the need to form cooperatives, as KCU has done, as it promotes financial saving and provides support for each other, emotionally and economically.  Furthermore, the Government encourages people to form groups for the purpose of improving their lot.