With a population of almost a million people, the Kibera Slum of Nairobi, Kenya is one of the largest and most desperate in the world. Despite the fact that the majority of Kibera residents are employed, the conditions within slums create a cycle of poverty. As families struggle for basic necessities, few can afford a decent education for their children. Without education, generations after generation remain in Kibera without the knowledge or ability to advocate for improved living conditions. The children of Kibera live day to day in squalor; without the most basic of amenities. They live in a world without electricity, running water, sewage or any other governmental infrastructure. The AIDS epidemic has literally decimated families, the greatest impact of which has been on the innocent children orphaned by this terrible disease.
Although the day-to-day reality in Kibera is extremely difficult, people in Kibera exemplify resilience and hope. Parents struggle to keep their children safe, to motivate them to stay in school, and imagine a better future. Children who are orphaned are most at risk as they lose the protection of family. The efforts from within Kibera to protect children are admirable; however, there are limits to even the strongest of wills in the face of such impoverished conditions. People in Kibera need support and partnerships so that their hard-work, creative ideas, and perseverance can truly make a difference.
