Children living in poverty often depend on school lunch for their daily nutrition. In Busia County, many children have not had consistent access to food since the spring, when schools closed due to COVID-19. Many poor families, including the 20% who are caring for orphans, cannot meet their children's nutrition and basic needs. Donations to this project will be spent directly on food and basic needs for children in rural Kenyan villages.
To prevent the spread of COVID-19, schools in Kenya have closed. This resulted in children being at home daily and families not having the resources to feed more mouths. Schools in Kenya are closed until January 2021. With poverty rates already above 50% and the local economy being severely impacted by COVID-19, poor families struggle to provide food. This lack of food exacerbates health risks for children, including malnutrition, risk of infections, and death.
COCE supports health, education, and well-being of children in rural Kenya. As part of this mission, COCE is raising money for food and basic materials for poor children in the Samia region within Busia County, Kenya. When fully funded, this project will provide at least one healthy meal daily, along with basic necessities, for up to 40 children for five months.
Investing in the health of children during this time of crisis will have long-term impact on the entire rural community. Healthy, nourished children will be able to return to school following the COVID-19 pandemic where they can learn, play, work, and give back to their communities as they move into adulthood.
