Elimu Program

“Elimu,” meaning “education” in Swahili, focuses on nurturing both academic potential and the human spirit.

Kenya’s children are its future, yet many are held back by hunger, a lack of school supplies, and prohibitive costs. At Busara, we tackle these barriers head-on. We’ve distributed scholastic materials, supported madrasa libraries, and funded high school fees for students who would otherwise drop out.

In rural villages, young minds are finding solace and inspiration in our initiatives. Through scholarships and meal programs, we’re not just shaping students’ futures; we’re breaking cycles of poverty, one child at a time.

Scholastic and Meal support

This support focuses on primary schools and madrasas in Kenya, which are grappling with a significant shortage of food and resources. This deficiency is severely affecting students’ educational outcomes. According to recent research by the World Food Program (WFP), nearly half of primary school children in Kenya are not receiving the necessary nutrition for healthy growth and development. The WFP report highlights that over 20% of pupils in public primary schools are chronically malnourished.

This shortage of food and resources is directly impacting academic performance, with a noted decline in educational attainment. The WFP has observed decreased attendance and concentration among students due to inadequate nutrition. The Ministry of Education reports an 11% drop in primary school attendance since 2011, which has contributed to a reduction in graduation rates. Additionally, the lack of resources is leading to an increase in school dropouts, with the Ministry of Education estimating that over 35,000 students leave school each year.

Education Support

This project targets high school / secondary school students. As Kenya continues to develop and its population grows, the literacy levels of its citizens remain a challenge.  

The lack of education in the slums of Kenya is largely due to the lack of resources available

 Schools in the slums often lack basic supplies, such as textbooks and writing materials, and many are in disrepair. Many children in the slums are unable to attend school due to the lack of money for school fees, and those that do attend often have to do so at substandard schools. In addition, many children in the slums are forced to find work to supplement their family’s income, which can prevent them from attending school. This lack of education limits their prospects, as they are unable to attend higher education and gain the necessary skills to. At Busara, our contribution to solving this challenge is providing school fee support for needy high school students. This is one of our growing projects that we know can change the future of many talented, deserving young Kenyans.

The slums of Kenya are particularly challenging because of their limited access to education and resources. Captured in recent statistics, only 33.8% of the population aged 15 and above is literate, and the literacy level in slums and villages is even lower.

According to research, the literacy rate in slums and rural areas of Kenya is much lower than the national average. In particular, the literacy rate among those living in slums stands at just 28.3%, while the rate in rural areas is 27.4%. This is an alarming statistic, especially because these areas are home to the country’s most vulnerable populations.

Partial Scholarship

We recognize that Busara is still growing and has a long way to go. We chose to see our limitations as stepping stones that will allow us to eventually achieve our goal. For universities and colleges, we provide support such as accommodation costs, monthly stipend as well as initial shopping for freshmen students. The idea is to eventually be able to provide sponsorship for their education as well.

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