|
Written by Dave
|
|
Sunday, 14 June 2009 14:23 |
|
MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THE SLUMS OF NAIROBI TODAY!
Even a small amount can make a difference in a child's life!
 |
|
The ARK School Story
Providing Shelter and Safe Harbor
Kariobangi is one of the many slums in Nairobi, Kenya, whenich has grown exponentially in the last two decades due to rapid urbanization. Hoping for work and a better future, men and women are moving into the capital city from all parts of Kenya, so that the population of Kariobangi now exceeds 250,000. Because of the lack of infrastructure in the cities, many arrive only to find no work and end up in poverty. The children of those families have little chance for a better life since most of the parents cannot afford a good education for them. Out of this need the school project in Kariobangi was born.
|
Help in one or more of the following ways:
|
Help to pay a child's school fees (one month's fees are $10)
|
|
School's Monthly Rent (one months' rent is $100)
|
|
Contribute to a teacher's salary
|
|
Provide for textbooks and class materials
|
|
As most needed
|
Beginnings...
The ARK School is a project of Life Challenge Africa and was founded in 2000. It had begun two years prior as an Adult Education program which has now expanded into a Primary School. Many children are from the Borana Tribe, which was originally nomadic and migrated to Nairobi only 2-3 decades ago. Most have never had an education and thus are illiterate. With approximately 130 children in attendance at the ARK Primary School, a great need in the community is being met.
The Vision...
- The ARK School is making a difference in the community by:
- Offering a quality educastion regardless of the financial situation of the children and their parents. The Primary School provides six classes: Day Care & Nursery, Pre-Unit and Grades 1 to 5.
- Giving children the chance to hear the Gospel, especially those of non-Christian background.
- Our teachers pray with the children and teach them Bible verses and Christian songs. One of the main objectives of the school is sharing the Gospel and touching the community with the love of God.
Adult Literacy:
- The school offers adult education four evenings per week.
- Currently about thirty adults are enrolled and most of them are parents of ARK School children.
Challenges Facing the School...
- Overcrowding in classrooms.
- Limited expansion possibilities due to lack of space.
- Lack of reliable income.
- Small compound with no space to play.
Hope to Increase Ministry By...
- Expanding the school and introducing three additional classes in order to provide full Primary educatiohn.
- Buying or renting a larger property for the school that offers more possibility for expansion and a small playground nearby.
- Introducing a small library for the children in order to improve their reading skills.
MEET SOME OF THE ARK SCHOOL CHILDREN...
 |
 |
 |
|
Name: Kunche Gababa
Age: 11 years
Grade: Class IV
Kunche's father suffers from tuberculosis. Kunche has eye problems and is a slow learner. Kunche's parents are both jobless. The family really struggles to live in the slums of Kariobangi.
|
Name: Liban Didole
Age: 7 years
Grade: Class I
Liban is active in class and interested in listening to Bible stories. Liban has a brother in our school. Laban's father is weak from illness and unable to work to support the family.
|
Name: Baera Ali
Age: 12 years
Grade: Class V
Baera's father is a security guard but does not earn enough to meet the family needs. Baera's mother is jobless. The family spends some days without food; when they get food, they eat only once in the day.
|
 |
 |
 |
|
Name: Lewis Malala
Age: 11 years
Grade: Class IV
Lewis suffers from eye problems. Lewis is active in class and has a desire to learn. Lewis also has a brother in school. His father makes furniture within the slum, but finds it difficult to meet the needs of the family.
|
Name: Hellen Wanjiku
Age: 12 years
Grade: Class V
Hellen suffers from chest problems. Hellen is a slow learner and suffers emotionally due to her family situtation. Her single mother is often drunk and does not properly attend to Hellen's needs.
|
Name: Aden Abdii
Age: 6 years
Aden's father and mother both deserted him when he was 3 years old. Aden stays with his Aunt who has a family and is jobless.
|
|
|
Last Updated on Monday, 22 June 2009 01:55 |
