the problem

The Mathare slum of Nairobi, Kenya is home to 300,000 school-aged children, yet there are only 3 public schools. The result is that thousands of children are idle and wander the trash and sewage-filled streets alone during the day as their parents work to earn less than $2/day. These children have no other educational opportunities because their families cannot afford alternative options.

Without the vocational opportunities that arise from education, it is nearly impossible for these children to break out of the cycle of poverty into which they were born. Devastatingly, many unschooled children are vulnerable to targeting by violent gangs, and often fall prey to prostitution and alcoholism that are rampant in the slum.


Twin boys who previously wandered the trash and sewage-filled streets unattended each day and now receive an education, food and health care at eduKenya's Kwa Watoto School.

opportunity changes everything - mercy's story

Mercy, age 11 who lost both parents to AIDS.

Mercy is an 11 year old student who has been studying at eduKenya's Kwa Watoto School since 2006. Mercy is a diligent student, intent on becoming a doctor when she grows up. Drawing from the tragedy of losing both parents to AIDS, she dreams of extending mercy to the sick. "I want to help people not die from preventable illnesses. I shall open my own clinic to take care of the sick. I do the work my teachers give me so that I can learn everything I need to know to become a good doctor. I have hope."

eduKenya works to break the cycle of poverty for Mercy and many other impoverished children by providing the opportunity to be educated. eduKenya's Kwa Watoto School (which means "For the Children" in Swahili) has 200 students enrolled. Last year, Kwa Watoto students received the highest scores on standardized exams compared to 16 other schools in the area's consortium. These remarkable results point to the high quality education provided at the school as well as the extraordinary commitment of both students and teachers.

In addition to providing education, the school serves as a feeding center, with two nutritious meals provided for the children each day. For many of the children, these are the only meals they receive during the week. Students also receive regular wellness check-ups from physicians.


Students at eduKenya's Kwa Watoto School eagerly participate in class.

how you can help

Help us empower children to break the cycle of poverty and pursue their dreams by receiving a high quality education. eduKenya's Kwa Watoto School is in need of basic supplies to foster a more supportive learning environment for students:

Books - Help us stock the library with 300 age appropriate books.

Solar Lanterns - The electricity frequently goes out in the slum, and solar lanterns will provide much-needed light for uninterrupted learning.

Cooking Equipment - The school's feeding program needs an energy-saving stove to reduce large charcoal expenses and increase cooking efficiency. A freezer is also needed so vegetables and other nutritious foods can be inexpensively purchased in bulk during the wet season and frozen for later use. Finally, a microwave is needed.

School Supplies - Whiteboards, makers, fans and other basic supplies will greatly assist students and teachers. Padlocks for all doors will also be purchased to secure the school's assets.

Will you join us in empowering vulnerable children in Kenya?