Educate, Feed & Protect Children in Kibera, Kenya

In Kenya, children are required to pay fees to attend pre-primary school (e.g., preschool). In addition, families must purchase the required school uniform and school supplies (even in preschool) or their child will be sent home from school. School uniforms cost between 1,500-3,500 Kenyan Shillings (USD $15-$35) – a substantial amount for those on an income of $2 per day as is typical for families in Kibera.  These costs prevent many parents from sending their children to preschool. When parents must choose between food, shelter and clothing, the cost of a uniform is seen as luxury and typically takes a backseat to the more essential needs.

St. Vincent’s deliberately selects children from among the most vulnerable families in Kibera – most of whom are cared for by single mothers, aunts or grandparents - to attend our preschool. We do this as part of our mission to ensure all children have a chance to be nurtured, loved and protected. Without intervention, children from these families would have no chance at attending preschool with all of its associated costs and would often times be left home unattended during the day, while their parents seek work.

To make this possible, each year we provide two sets of uniforms (i.e., sweater/shorts/shirts/socks for boys and sweater/dress/bloomers/socks for girls), along with free textbooks and exercise books to incoming children. In January 2018, we distributed uniforms to 30 new pupils in our nursery school. Coupled with the highly subsidized school feels we offer, which are intended to instill a sense of ownership and commitment to education among families, these supports enable Kibera’s most vulnerable children to access to early education.