The Food from Friends initiative has been going well. Today we issued 73 packs to 73 families. Most parents/guardians of children in the program have lost their jobs, therefore it is a hard and trying time for these families given the nature of their existence is a hand-to-mouth life.
On top of not being able to feed themselves, these families are now faced with the challenge of rent payment with some landlords threatening to evict. Some have received notice to vacate by the end of the month. We are working with the local authorities to help out in such cases by talking to the landlords and advising our parents to join with other tenants in the negotiations with landlords as opposed to individual negotiations.
We are working closely with our primary schools to ensure that our students continue learning from home. The schools have printed revision materials that were received by all students. In preparation for the important national exam at the end of the year, we are collaborating in an effort to ensure our candidates are well prepared. The President and the Education Cabinet Secretary have both informed citizens that the exams are still going to take place as scheduled.
Since internet access is a challenge to our parents, most of our students are unable to access the ongoing media lessons the Education Ministry have placed on television and radio. Instead, the schools send us revision papers and marking instructions on WhatsApp. We print them and pass them on to the parents. The parents, therefore, are in charge of marking the work and helping in the revision process.
We are glad to report that even though there are a few confirmed cases of COVID-19 within our locality (Dagoretti slum) none of our students, parents/guardians or families have tested positive.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our sponsors and supporters for the important contributions they have been giving us. Keep safe. Thank you!
Best regards,
Tunda Lepore
Senior Case Manager
Primary Department