|
 Lavington
United Church is an ecumenical congregation in Nairobi,
Kenya. The church was founded thirty-eight years
ago by the Methodist, Presbyterian and Anglican Churches
in Kenya.
Lavington has purchased an acre of land and has sponsored
a mission in Kawangware, a quasi-slum area in Nairobi.
The mission operates under the auspices of the Methodist
Church in Kenya. Kawangware has a population of approximately
200,000. The residents work as low-income laborers
and house servants. The homes in the community frequently
lack running water and electricity. As in any poverty
stricken area, crime, prostitution, alcoholism and
malnutrition are endemic. It is estimated that 25-30%
of the residents lives in extreme poverty.
Currently the land at Kawangware
contains a small temporary church building belonging
to the Methodist
Church. In 1999, KCF was able to build a nursery school,
toilet and septic system, kitchen and dining hall for
$78,578 US. $5,000 was granted by St. John’s
Episcopal Church in Midland, Michigan in 1999. A further
$30,000 was granted for 2000. Kawangware Church in
conjunction with Lavington United Church contributed
$8000. KCF raised the additional money.
The first priority has been to develop/expand nursery
school facilities for 120 children. Similar to Headstart
Programs in the US, nursery school programs in Kenya
not only teach and promote social skills, but also
provide nutrition to pre-school age children. Also
in Kenya, nursery school is a condition precedent to
entering the public school system. In the slums/poor
areas, there are very few nursery schools and most
are church sponsored.
In 2003, KCF built an additional four classrooms and
two toilet blocks. Primary grades three and four will
begin to take classes in the new building in January
2004. At that time, the population of the school will
grow to 150 students.
In addition to constructing the school facilities,
KCF is currently sponsoring 16 children in the school.
As mentioned earlier, there are many children living
below the poverty level in Kenya whose parents cannot
afford to pay the school fees. Therefore, KCF has begun
the school sponsorship program in which we have committed
to supporting the same 16 children through eight years
of education so long as they are in the Kawangware
School.
We are now seeking funding to begin construction of
phase 3 which will consist of four classrooms, a science
lab, computer room and library. We would like to break
ground for this project in 2010. The approximate cost
for construction is $225,000.
KCF will be actively involved with this school for
years to come. In future years, we will use volunteer
help to maintain the premises and do necessary repairs
and refurbishing. Volunteers will purchase and deliver
school supplies and play items. Where possible, volunteers
will be active in assisting in the classroom in order
to have as much contact with the children and staff
as possible.
Most of the children attending the Kawangware School
will be able to pay the modest school fees. A certain
percent of the student body will be sponsored. This
money will be nearly sufficient to maintain completely
sustain the school. In addition, Kawangware Church
will also be asked to help support the school in proportion
to its means.
June, 2006
|
