Kenyanito project conversations part 2

 

During the past few days in Nairobi, despite the distractions of the protests, I’ve been blessed to have some really good conversations with Kenyanito and team about the two projects that CRED is involved in.

The Spurgeons conversation was more of a catch up as it is so much more established that there is less new stuff going on. But still it was good to hear how well the Junior Secondary School is going well, and to review how things are generally for the school.

I think the key headlines to take away are that, like so many programmes working in Kibera, funds are forever a challenge. Next year there will be an additional year group in the JSS and they will need more resources – home economics equipment, extra IT equipment, extra textbooks, even an additional classroom.

And whilst the number of classes in the primary section is stable, there is still the challenge of raising enough funds to ensure that food can be bought for the feeding programme. Donations from CRED supporters consistently cover the cost of the breakfast, and some of the lunch, but still there is a regular shortfall to cover the full costs. Living on a wing and a prayer is a standard part of the life of Spurgeons, and it was inspiring to hear Kenyanito share about this, but I’m also mindful of the burden that this can be over a long period.

However, despite all of this, walking around the school, and interacting with the students was as uplifting an experience as ever. Little ones coming up for hugs, and to stroke my ‘hairy’ arms! Older ones coming up to chat, and to show me some of the games that they play with just a few stones and a piece of chalk. There is a real sense of the safety and security that the children feel when they are at Spurgeons. Outside the boundary fence, all sorts of tough life situations exist for them – deep poverty for some, lack of any parents or guardians for others. Dysfunctional and abusive homes for some, no home for others. But inside the fence, all the children are treated with dignity, respect, and care. They all know that they can turn to a member of staff and will be listened to, and that whilst they are in the school grounds, no-one bad can reach them.

Spurgeons certainly has its challenges, and I pray that those challenges will ease through increased access to resources, but I also thank God for the incredible place that is Spurgeons, and the positive impact it is having on so many young lives.