Poverty in Kenya comes in many shapes and sizes, but one of the most important effects it has is limiting a community's access to education for its children. OnCourse believe education holds they key to enabling young people to build brighter futures for themselves and their communities, and are committed to ensuring as many children can attend school as possible. We work with two communities to make this happen.
The first is those living on Nakuru's Dumpsite.
A number of families reside on the dumpsite, searching for valuables in the garbage as their only means of survival. One of the implications of this level of poverty is that parents are unable to provide enough food for their kids on a consistent basis. Together with the UK based charity Actions Not Words, we're aiming to feed 400 children at the local primary school who would otherwise not eat during the school day. This usually means they struggle to focus in class and aren't making the most of the educational opportunities they do have.
Similarly children in the broader community often miss one or more years of schooling because their families aren't able to afford the basic requirements school demands, including uniforms, lunches and supplies. OnCourse supports these families by placing children back in school and assisting with whatever else they need, from classroom equipment to social support.
More than providing education, school is a much needed safe haven from the issues these children face at home. HIV, Malaria and other diseases are widespread, most families do not have electricity, running water or sewage, and there are numerous social issues stemming from poverty and a lack of social services.
Whilst we can't solve all these challenges, we strongly believe investing in the education of these young people is the place to start.