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Meet one student
His name is Gitau, he's 11 years old. The fact that he’s reading by lantern light is one thing. The fact that he has a text book is something else. He’s part of a class comprising 30 students and only two textbooks. The reason for this multi-layered, but the main point is that he lives in an informal zone of Nairobi called Ruaraka. Informal zones are not recognized by the Kenyan government as legitimate settlements, in this way the government doesn't have to provide services (like funding schools). Informal zones are better known as slums.
Now we can’t do much to change the political nature of his situation, but we can -- with your help --provide Gitau, and the rest of his class, with a few more books.
Your donation will provide the materials he needs to study for the national examinations. Exams that will determine which schools will be available to him and, subsequently, set a course for his future. His teachers do their best, but just like you wouldn’t expect a carpenter to build a house with only one hammer and two nails, Gitau needs the tools to help him build a better life.
Help thy brother's boat across and lo! thine own has reached the shore.​ -- Hindu Proverb
Progressive Volunteers is a community-based organization founded in May 2007 by a group of five college graduates who saw the need to cultivate the spirit of volunteerism amongst young people. We strive to meet the critical needs of the under privileged in the Ruaraka community, a slum area northeast of Nairobi.
Give the Gift of Hope
Nairobi's informal schools face formidable challenges with lack of teaching staff and learning materials.
We have identified 12 informal schools in Ruaraka, Nairobi which suffer from a severe shortage of teachers (a 1:40 teacher to student ratio), reading materials and desks. With your support, our team of 25 volunteers can better the lives of 250 children in need.
Children playing games during a Gender Based Violence Awareness training at St. Prisca's School in Korogocho.
Erick at Emaus Educational Centre, Luckysummer Area.
