Food support for Kibera's after school Program

We are thrilled to share the significant achievements made possible by your generous support over the past three months in our after-school programme. The turnout of students has reached unprecedented levels, and we attribute this success to the combined factors of our program's popularity and the incorporation of arts, dance, and daily meals for underprivileged children in Kibra.

Our activities within the centre not only provided a creative outlet for the students but also ensured that they were well-nourished, which had a positive impact on their physical and mental health.

The teenagers who prepared our food under the supervision of our resident chef and volunteer parents not only learned important life lessons like teamwork and collaboration, but they also instilled in themselves a sense of pride and ownership in the meals they prepared. This hands-on involvement in meal preparation enabled the students to feel a sense of responsibility. 

Through your generous support, we were able to provide 27634 meals to children who participated in our programmes. As a result, they developed a stronger connection to their food and a greater appreciation for the effort invested in meal preparation.

Looking ahead, we are excited to inform you of our plans to enhance our curriculum. We are incorporating food production and gardening activities to help students understand the journey of food from seed to plate. By doing so, we aim to create a platform for children to grasp the significance of sustainable food systems and comprehend the impact of their choices on the environment. This hands-on approach empowers them to make healthier food choices and take ownership of their overall well-being. Once again, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for your continuous support, which has played a pivotal role in making these positive changes possible.

Dear Friends 

Since our last update, we're excited to report substantial improvements in the overall health and welfare of our students, as well as some new challenges.

Thanks to your support, the nutritious meals provided at our center have not only increased their energy levels but have also improved their focus and physical performance during our activities. However, despite this progress, some of the children within our programme still face difficulties accessing evening meals at home. This is mainly because their parents are either absent or unable to provide for them, which forces many children to take on responsibilities typically reserved for adults. This includes tasks like doing domestic work for pay and collecting scrap metal and plastic for resale  to meet their basic needs during school holidays.

This gap hinders their overall development. To address this issue, we have been encouraging the children to take food packs from the centre for their evening meals at home, which are often shared with their siblings.

We firmly believe that a child's well-being should not be compromised due to the lack of parental care and involvement. When a child is forced by circumstances to a  position of heading their household, they are burdened with responsibilities that surpass their developmental stage, robbing them of the comfort and joys of childhood. This challenges results in significant emotional, social, and psychological setbacks, including low self-esteem, early marriages, exposure to child labor, vulnerability to human trafficking, and social exclusion. These difficulties highlight the pressing need for an ongoing support and intervention to ensure that these vulnerable children can lead healthier and more promising lives.

Links:

• Lunch break Poridge time Video