Getting Ready for School to Resume

The third school term (covering the three months of September through November) begins soon, and the start of the term is a very difficult time for most needy families in the slums of Eldoret. Schools require even the poorest students to wear uniforms, pay school fees, and sometimes even demand the students purchase and bring a desk.

Sadly, this means that many children cannot attend school, even when both the parents and children desperately want them to. The costs are simply out of reach for a struggling family that may not even be able to afford rent and groceries.

For instance, Jeremiah Kitonga's four school-age children (see picture on the right) will need four uniforms ($18), shoes and socks ($18), two desks ($21), school fees ($31), and bags for carrying books ($12). Altogether, this is $100, which is two month's salary for many families.

Currently, Lahash donors are trying to ensure several families can afford school costs. If you would like to help in assisting some of the families in the slums with these school expenses, please contact dmitchell@lahash.net, or you may want to have the additional connection with an individual child through sponsorship (in fact, two of Kitonga's children, Ruth and Samwel, need sponsors). Online donations are also appreciated.