Kesho Bora (Better Tomorrow) Education

In 2019 we were introduced to the Kibera community – one of the world’s largest slums. Survival in the urban slums is hard enough, let alone the additional challenges of raising an intellectually disabled child where there is no government recognition or support; here we connected with families caring for children with intellectual disabilities and learned of the social ostracism and extreme poverty they faced.

In 2019, the Payton Foundation connected with families in the Kibera community, where children with intellectual disabilities faced social ostracism and extreme poverty.

Unemployment rates exceeded 90%, and many families struggled to provide education and basic necessities for their children. To address these challenges, a committee was established to oversee the provision of education scholarships for siblings of children with a disability, ensuring access to education and nutrition. Since starting with 31 children in 2019, the program has grown to support over 180 children and their families.

In addition to education and nutrition, our support of school fees provides dignity and empowerment to families. It gives parents some modest additional scope to buy clothing, food, meet medical needs or access transport (eg for work).

Our close communication with the committee has allowed the program to evolve to meet their needs, including:
  • Essential Covid-related food relief
  • Saturday and holiday program providing remedial learning, mentoring and meals
  • Tertiary and vocational training
  • Rent relief for some facing eviction
  • School uniforms and particularly shoes (so far 258 pairs of Bata leather shoes – often the only shoes the children have)
  • Micro business loans
  • Technology and business training
In 2023, Kesho Bora (Better Tomorrow Education) was formally established to manage the Kibera initiatives initiated by the Payton Foundation.

As part of this work, Kesho Bora took over a local primary school program (St. Stephen Education Centre) that was at risk of closure, transitioning it to a preschool program for approximately 40 students, while providing ongoing partial scholarships for existing students

Why are we partnering?

At the Payton Foundation, we believe in creating positive change through education, health, and housing. Our partnership with Kesho Bora provides measurable results!

The African culture encourages sharing and “giving back” to the community. Our staff demonstrate that and have typically had education support themselves, leading them to give back. Our High school graduates volunteer around the Centre, assisting younger students, and the community collectively supports children with disabilities during transportation, games, and meal times.

Through our program, School completion and attendance  rates have soared, with grades improving consistently. We’ve also observed enhanced nourishment and health among the children.

But mostly, it is the people supported that encourage us.

Duncan, was a D student when started with our program in 2019.

He progressed to a B+ and recently began a tertiary IT position with excellent job prospects.

He attributes his success to the stability provided by our program: “I was no longer chased away because of my family not being able to pay fees”. 

Rebecca, one of our initial students in 2019, faced arrears in her fees. Her education was in jeopardy, but she became dux of her class (of 184!!) and is now pursuing a nursing qualification. Her family has transformed as well, with her siblings regularly attending school and her mother starting a small grocery stall.

Watch this video of David Kitavi, Principal Ushirika School Nairobi, discussing life in Kibera and the Sibling Education Scholarships.

How can you help?

1. Sponsor a child in the Sibling Education Program

The Sibling Education Program provides education and food for the brothers and sisters of vulnerable students, enabling them to build bright futures. Your support allows parents to work, benefiting the entire family. We have 36 additional children identified for scholarship support next term. Sponsor a child’s school fees and participation in our holistic programs:

  • $995pa for a high school student
  • $735pa for a primary school student
2. Provide a pair of shoes

It has been reported that even the President of Kenya did not have his own pair of shoes until he was 15! For $30, you can provide a quality pair of Bata shoes, ensuring children have proper footwear for school.

3. Laptops

Laptops are also required for our current school, holiday and Saturday programs. We also like to equip our most successful graduates with a laptop to encourage their future vocational pursuits. This year, 10 students are in need. Providing a reconditioned laptop purchased locally for $580 can make all the difference!

4. Stipend for High School Graduates to assist programs for 9 months

earlier this year Kesho Bora had some interns but we’re unable to provide any recognition for their work or payment to support their families.   $1,200 would compensate them for their work and provide an income stream before they commence university.

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