Outings for children from slums in Kenia, 650 Euro
One of the poorest slums in Africa is situated in
Mathare, east of Nairobi. Approximately 1 million people live in this slum. Their main source of income is the production of illegal alcohol: chang’aa. Youngsters as well as adults are addicted to chang’aa, and younsters in particular end up in a life of crime.
Mathara Association, created in 1999, concerns itself with the situation of young children growing up in this environment. One of their programmes is the so-called Mentoring Program. In addition to
information, support groups, games and personal coaching, this programme offers short, educational
outings. The enthusiastic 30-year old Michael Njugana is a leading figure in this
organisation. He spends a large part of his own salary on helping local
children. ‘My wish is to give the children a better future and to let them enjoy life outside the slum by offering them a trip to a vulcanic crater
nearby. In this way they can see with their own eyes what their country has to offer’, he
says. A visit to the museum and a trek through the surrounding Ngong hills are also part of his
programme.
For 50 children and 5 accompanying adults (including transport, entrance fee,
food, professional tour by parkkeepers etc) these outings cost 650 Euro.
