Trond Sørås Photographer

A glimmer of hope in the Kayole-Soweto slum

Politics, Poverty

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Maisha mema kids collage

These are 20 of around 230 children getting their education fully funded through the Maisha Mema (translated: Better Life) programme in the Kayole-Soweto slum. Free primary education in Kenya was re-introduced by president Kibaki in 2003, although «free» is a matter of definition.

The education in itself may be free, but there are still expenses such as desks, books and uniforms that parents must pay, and this amounts to between 6000 and 10000 shilling a year (around $70 – $120). This may not sound too steep, but considering that an average monthly income in the slum is less than 3000 shilling, paying more than two months salary per child is just too much for the vast majority of families.

The Maisha Mema programme provides with education all the way through to college and university, for children who otherwise would have no chance of even going to primary school. They have been a tremendous help in providing contacts and access for a story I’m doing in Kayole-Soweto, and I encourage everyone to send them a donation.