Chinese businesses give hope to Kenya slum children

"The Chinese have been supportive not just through the donations they bring but they also provide us with breakfast and lunch and they always drop by once in a while to see how we are faring,," Lucy Awuor, a student who had just passed her exam and will start her secondary education next January said.

Benedict Kiage, the director of Mcedo Beijing Primary School, lauded the Chinese Embassy and the Kenya China Economic and Trade Association for the continued support.

"Mathare being a slum area, many students drop out of school for various reasons. But with your support, we have not only been able to keep our students in school but we have also improved the quality of education we offer them through the resources you provide," Kiage said.

"Our school caters to students beyond education. The school offers a feeding program and promotes talent development through Beijing Raiders' Soccer Club where some of the girls have gained entry into various high schools and colleges through soccer scholarships," Kiage said.

Mcedo Beijing Primary School was set up in 2007 with the financial support of the Chinese embassy. In 2012, KCETA and its member companies raised over $56,000 for the phase 2 expansion project of the school in light of insufficient facilities and outdated equipment. In 2017, KCETA further donated study and sports supplies valued at more than $5,000 on learning that the students lacked teaching materials and school supplies.

After graduating from Mcedo Beijing Primary School, many students reach senior school, technical colleges and even complete university education, then start working to support their families independently.

Otiato Opali in Nairobi contributed to this story.