CoKF Chairman Visits Kibera

This is part of the speech I shared on the official opening of the new Red Rose Middle School. There is a link below for pictures of the visit so far.

Let us give a mighty clap and Welcome Mr. Curtis Rooney: Karibu Kenya, Karibu Kibera.

The children of Kibera Foundation is humbled to welcome all of you to this much anticipated event. It comes at a time when a lot has taken place – stories have been told. And assistance accorded when necessary.

As you are aware, though this initiative; many students have realized their dreams. Those who never believed in stepping into a secondary classroom, those with incredible potential, but had their dreams dashed away – by the day – to – day struggles of life, long nights with empty stomach, HIV / Aids ravages, poor shelter and living conditions.

All these grappling has been summarized by COFK though the slogan “Yes we can” Educating the future.

In this journey, we have come face – to – face with various experiences:-
 One mother shared with us the struggle she went through to get to the point where she is today.
 After her husband died suddenly, their community striped them of all their belongings in an inheritance tussle. And they had nothing but a fortunate connection to a sympathetic landlord.

 Some children sitting here miss a father or a mother and simply depend on a single meager salary stretched far to cover food alone.

 Multiple families disclose that they have arrears? Ranging from primary school fees to medical bills.

 The best option seems indifferent and unattainable.

Each family is in great financial need of a scholarship to secondary school (and even beyond). We should be all aware that the opportunities resulting from their children’s education would be life changing.

Joscelyn Truitt, Jacqueline Espana (Current interns from NYU ) and I have certified this as we faced the challenge of not only leaping over open sewers or navigating through alleyways of mud and trashy fields but rather listening to the stories of each student knowing that not all of them will receive the scholarship opportunity with CoFK.

I want to personally thank our fore mention interns Joscelyn and Jackie for the great work they are doing.

Our commitment on the ground has been paramount. Currently, CoFK is supporting 21 students:-
 1 is in USA on an exchange programme
 2 in form Three
 11 in Form Two
 7 Form one
With this kind of statistics, the girl child education has been given our first priority. A measure of progress in a complete and competitive education system.

These Kibera youths, through your effect, receive tuition fees, uniform, shopping costs and a little bit of pocket money. They get themselves into community service of their choice during holidays - attending seminars, camps, retreats as a capacity building exercise.

Your generous contribution also goes to Red Rose sponsoring programme a venture where 50 primary schools going students have found refuge (at Red Rose Nursery and Children’s Centre).

I want to take bring to your attention that this centre has attracted friends worldwide who have made it here personally and participated in school activities with the young children – out of these contribution, the centre has received classroom materials, donations, from various schools in the USA. For instance, art supplies, books, posters, chalk, pencils and the new addition of the new Middle school and Washrooms to go with.

You have made it possible to establish Kibera online initiative an initiative that has rolled out installation of three computer labs- complete with monitors, desks and chairs to schools in Kibera slum. Namely Red Rose, Kibra Academy and Lutheran primary. It is worth mentioning the generous contribution from Kensington cares who donated twenty computers and monitors to Kibra Academy. We are surely grateful. May you continue with the spirit of giving. A proposal to constitute another computer lab at Ayany Primary is under way.

Last but not the least, we can all attest to the fact that education is the key to our future. It is our turn to provide it – at whatever cost, to this deserving cases – to bring that splendid future today upon the dejected, disgruntled and hopeless young population who have shown the zeal to achieve ready to strive for excellence in the midst of hassle and bustle. As a CoFK staff here in Kibera, I have been entrusted with the leading responsibility to dispense the roles, duties and responsibilities required of me – this I will do without fear or favor, failing or faltering. To leave a trail of legacy because I am.

On behalf of the Children in Kibera THANK YOU! Very much for that you and the Board plus all the well wishers have been doing.

May God bless you all.

Thank you.
Click here to view pictures from the Chairman's visit.