Educate, Feed & Protect Children in Kibera, Kenya

In high-density Kibera, open space is rare. For children attending school within Kibera, classrooms are compact and recess time confined to small, enclosed spaces where children typically play with tires and other homemade toys. Throughout the year, St. Vincent's hosts Sports Days to give our nursery school and rescue center children the chance to be active and play unconfined. These days are much anticipated by our children. 

On a sunny July morning, students were bussed to a local park along with teachers, older children from the rescue center, and many volunteers. Handmade balls wound with twine and tape, wooden blocks, and ropes filled both the free play time and were used for planned activities. Each child appeared enamored and occupied with the expanse of green grass, opportunity to freely chase and cartwheel, and the chance to win stickers, given out by Teacher Alice for small field day victories. Milk, biscuits, and oranges were handed out, as children waited patiently for their turn after rinsing their hands in water retrieved by volunteers. We wrapped up the day cleaning the green space, children picking up much more waste than belonged to them. The day ultimately left both children and park better than before. 

Links:

• St. Vincent's Website