Humble Hearts School

One month after a school and living quarters were “accidentally” razed to the ground by Kenyan government railway authorities clearing space for a pipeline project, children have returned to school at Humble Hearts. Parents, nearly all of whom live in absolute poverty, have scraped together enough funding to erect the basic poles and structure necessary for a new building, and young children have begun using the shelter. Ten blackboards and a water tank saved from the demolition are in use again, as well as the schools latrine system. A church in the community has opened its space for the older classes, and the children are safely living in alternate quarters. Despite the rapid resumption of classes, hard work of the students, family, school officials and community, much remains to be done. The Kenyan government is unwilling to provide material or economic assistance, even though admitting the forced demolition at 3 am on a December morning was a mistake in planning. Support is urgently needed to replace lost books, desks, learning materials, and for further construction efforts.

Why rebuild if the people lack control of land ownership rights? Luckily, Beatrice, the principle, human rights lawyers, and others are working through the necessary government offices to ensure that such an event does not happen again. In the meantime, they are building a more temporary shelter to continue classes so that the children have a place to go during the day, a meal to eat, and do not fall behind in course work. The deaf children from Humble Hearts have already been moved to a new school located some distance from the congestion of the outer ring road area, and work continues on the finishing touches for that campus area. With time, all the children will be moved to the newer building.

Fair Oaks School

Similar to the Humble Hearts tragedy, Fair Oaks School, Redeemed Church, and the vocational center were also demolished by outside parties during the fall of 2009. Since then, Pastor Brown, his wife and the congregation have been working furiously to secure land rights, put up a temporary structure, and resume classes and vocational training, which in turn opens up economic opportunities for youth. By the end of November there were 10 more graduates in tailoring and dress making, 8 graduates in computer development, and 5 graduates in furniture upholstery and interior design. The community had a peaceful Christmas season and the congregation continued to grow and support the educational activities of the ministry. The temporary shelter has transitioned from a tent to a solid structure with iron sheeting for a roof, and land ownership rights to the land it now sits on.

How You Can Help

Please consider making a donation to provide the The 1010 Project with the resources to assist our partners, such as Humble Hearts School, when faced with unforeseen emergencies and tragedies.