This week, Uweza program participants who finished primary school in 2012 received invitation letters to high school.  Many are unsure if/when they will be able to continue their education. We have received daily requests for assistance from parents who, despite working full time, are not able to meet the costs of the education of their children.  As a result, these childen will have to remain at home and are at greater risk for becoming involved in crime, early pregnancy, drug use, and other destructive behaviors.  Their future earnings potential will be diminished if they are not able to continue their education. 

In Kibera, the average monthly salary is an estimated $41 USD per month, and many parents are not able to keep up with the rising costs of school fees, school uniforms, school supplies, and school meals.  The starting costs of one of the least expensive high schools in Kibera for one student amount to more than 5 times the average monthly income (view a breakdown of the costs of education in Kibera here).  This contributes to a high number of school drop outs and interrupted learning due to students being sent home for not being able to pay. 

Four years ago, in January 2008, Uweza's first sponsored students started Class 1 (first grade) at Olympic Primay School in Kibera.   Today, these students are in Class 5 and the program has expanded to fully cover the costs of education and healthcare for 33 Kibera primary school and high school students. However, we are contionously  unable to meet the need for educational support among our program participants and the Kibera community at large.

How can you help?

Uweza's Sponsorship Program maintains funding by matching "sponsors" (who donate $10, $20, or $40 monthly) with a Kibera student. We are greatly in need of additional sponsors to support the students currently enrolled in the program and to meet the increasing demand among Uweza program participants and the Kibera community for educational support.  

To learn more about how become a sponsor and support education in Kibera, visit our Sponsorship Program Page.

Or make a donation to the program below: