Opportunity for children on Olives waiting list

Olives Rehabilitation Centre is running at full capacity, feeding and providing education at no cost to children in Mombasa's largest slum. There are currently 130 children lucky enough to be enrolled here, however the classrooms are straining, open play space is diminishing, and there is a long waiting list of children unable to afford any primary school education.

Some of the students lucky enough to be enrolled in Olives Rehabilitaion Centre

So today was an exciting day for the team at GVI. Steven Were (founder of Olives) has found a disused school 5 minutes walk from the existing location, where he hopes to expand ORC operations. The new site has the potential to double the number of children able to receive education and meals! Importantly, the site has functioning sanitary facilities which would qualify Olives for much needed government funding.

Steven shows the GVI team around the potential school site

After today’s meeting, Steven took us for a walk to the site. The first thing that struck me was the luscious green lawn and mature mango trees providing shade for the school grounds. Quite a contrast to the unpaved mud paths and concrete doorsteps that the kids are currently spending their play time in.

One of the classrooms in the disused school which could accomodate children currently on Olives waiting list

The challenge now, is finding a way to fund the 6000 shilling per month rent (under £50), and additional lunches for new students. For many children this is the only nutritious meal they can count on each day, and the benefits of this to their education is immediately obvious.

Corti, Elly, Sara and Steven investigating a building at the disused school

- Tess

Opportunity for children on Olives waiting list