Supporting and encouraging community-based organisations in Kibera.
​
#BringingOurCityToLife
EDUCATION
In the past, we have done some work with Elpo School (formerly known as Hope Community School) which was initially opened as a 14-pupil school in January 2015 to offer low cost education for primary aged children. Originally meeting in a small building at the ICA centre, its accommodation was simple. A bare concrete floor, tin roof and no furniture. In the playground, a solitary metal slide and broken swing set.
What Elpo School offers is actually incredible; School lunches mean pupils have access to nutritious food on a regular basis. And while the school facilities were basic, they’re better than most on the slum. Contained within the fenced complex, children are safe from the area’s high levels of crime.
​
But above all, it aims to provides quality education. Some believe the introduction of affordable education in Kibera has led to a poorer standard of teaching. From the start, a Director of Hope Community School, Christine told us of the importance of employing qualified teachers to provide a high standard of education capable of pulling young people out of poverty.
​
Since then the school has grown to 120 pupils and has moved into a purpose built building at a peppercorn rent. It even boasts its own garden where it is growing vegetables.
​
It is an incredible place, where hope is cultured. Though still small in size and with few resources, it represents the potential for change in Kibera, founded on the aspiration of people passionate to see the end of poverty.
​
So, why do we support Elpo School? Because it holds a vital key to Kibera’s development. It might not change the whole slum, but if some simple support can brighten the future of a few children, we believe it’s worth it.
​
Interested in education and development? Email newcommunitykibera@gmail.com to explore how you can support us.
Dave Boniface was born in Portchester and is married to Sue and has four adult children and seven grand children. He leads the New Community Kibera Project seeking to serve the needs and support education, training and youth development projects taking place mainly in Kibera Kenya. Education features in Dave's varied career so in addition to overall projects lead, he also leads the school project.