Archives for May 2020

From Joy

In the post-secondary department, we have a total of 124 students enrolled in different institutions. Out of this number 33 are waiting to join University or college for higher education learning. They will be interviewing with the Scholarship Committee this week where they are all required to present their post-secondary education plan.

All our students have been contacted and they are well and safe together with their families. We are happy to report that 70% of the students have managed to study online. The rest continue to carry on with assignments that are sent through the school portal or WhatsApp. For students who do not have access to the internet and laptops, we have managed to schedule them at the computer lab. There they can access the internet and continue with online studies while observing safety guidelines.

In addition to school work, students have continued to rediscover themselves and are engaged in new hobbies like online writing, cycling, and beadwork activities. Others assist their siblings with homework and help with house chores duties.

Through the support of our sponsors, donors, and well-wishers we were able to issue food to 130 families this week. We maintained contact with students and their families through phone calls to check on their well-being.

Due to joblessness and lack of casual day labor, the crime rate has increased in some areas as the situation has become increasingly worse. Some families face eviction threats from landlords due to rent arrears, risking homelessness when unable to meet housing expenses.

Students spend most of their time indoors busy doing school assignments, revision studies and also helping out with simple house chores like cooking and cleaning duties. Staying indoors keeps them from negative peer pressure. Students get assignments from teachers through WhatsApp, and we help in printing out the assignments and revision materials. Children benefit from local radio and TV education programs, finding them highly valuable for their learning and personal development.

 Families know they should stay indoors though this has been challenging due to congestion in the slums where there isn’t any social distancing possible and wearing of masks is not observed. Most parents/guardians have lost their jobs, but Ngong Road Children Foundation has put a smile on their faces.

Thank you for your continued support.

Sincerely,

Mary Wanjiru
Senior Case Manager