From Vaticannews · Vatican News · · 1m 40s
Kenya: Kibera's dreams and hope
Kibera's residents share stories of hope despite poverty and challenges.
In brief
Kibera's residents share stories of hope despite poverty and challenges. Kibera residents in Nairobi, Kenya, share dreams of education and community despite poverty, with 45% of the population being young and unemployed. Originally reported by Vaticannews.
Kibera's reality
Kibera, Nairobi's largest slum in Africa, faces overcrowding, health issues, and crime.
“The largest slum on the African continent”
Population estimates
UN estimates 200,000 to 250,000 people live in Kibera across 256 hectares.
“200,000 to 250,000 people”
Sanitation challenges
Kibera has only about a thousand public toilets for hundreds of thousands of people.
“only about a thousand public toilets”
Grace's home
Grace shares her ten square meter home with eight children and fifteen grandchildren.
“Seven of us live here; five children sleep on that bed”
Grace's story
Grace sells chang'aa, a traditional liquor, to afford school fees for her grandchildren.
“I sell chang'aa so the children can have food”
Chang'aa explanation
Chang'aa is a potent, artisanal, and often illicit spirit made from fermenting grains and sugar.
“It is a potent, artisanal, and often illicit spirit”
School fees challenge
A nine-year-old girl needs 8,500 shillings (approximately €56) to return to school.
“I need to pay about 8,500 shillings (approximately €56)”
Nubian heritage
Kibera's name comes from the Nuba language meaning 'forest' and was settled by Nubians during British colonial rule.
“The name 'Kibera' derives from the Nuba language and means 'forest'”
Land ownership history
Nubians gained collective land ownership of 116 acres in 2017 after decades of claims.
“In 2017, after decades of claims, the Kenyan government granted the Nubian community collective ownership of 116 acres”
Overcrowding issue
Kibera faces overcrowding with 45% of its population being young and unemployed.
“Nearly 45 percent of Kibera's population consists of young people, and many of them are unemployed”
Koinonia Community
Koinonia Community centers provide support for homeless children and those with disabilities.
“Established in 2005, the center primarily provides opportunities for homeless children living on the streets”
Rehabilitation program
Koinonia helps children overcome drug addiction and trauma through counseling and rehabilitation.
“We have counselors who help them heal from the pain and suffering they endured while living on the streets”
Future dreams
Kibera residents share dreams of education, art, and community despite poverty.
“I have a future I want to build. I would love to be a dancer and a singer”
Hope for the future
Kibera's community continues to create hope through art, education, and social programs.
“Kibera continues to produce art”
The bottom line
Kibera residents in Nairobi, Kenya, share dreams of education and community despite poverty, with 45% of the population being young and unemployed.
