- “This initiative that is costing Sh26 million is a continuation of our ongoing feeding program reaching at least 61,700 learners in the schools,” Ignatius said.
- Moshisho said the work that the NGO is doing in Kajiado is tremendous, adding that other than providing feeding programs to 177 primary schools, it also sponsors students in high schools and universities.
Image: KURGAT MARINDANY.
As the schools’ holiday approaches, the Light Up Hope organisation on Thursday flagged off food pack distribution to 61,700 children and their families in Kajiado.
Speaking at the Saina School in Kajiado town, the organisation’s country director Moses Ignatius said the distribution of the holiday food packs will take place in 177 primary schools in the county.
“This initiative that is costing Sh26 million is a continuation of our ongoing feeding program reaching at least 61,700 learners in the schools,” Ignatius said.
He said that as the schools head for a long holiday, his organisation thought of creating some impact at the household level by having each kid carry home some food items.
The director said the food would serve as a cushion against the effects of the extreme drought that was felt in Kajiado County during the three seasons it failed to get rain.
Kajiado Deputy Governor Martin Moshisho officiated the flagging of the schools at Saina School and thanked the Light Up Hope organisation for their kindness.
Moshisho said the work that the NGO is doing in Kajiado is tremendous, adding that other than providing feeding programs to 177 primary schools, it also sponsors students in high schools and universities.
Moshisho said the organisation is spending Sh162 million annually to retain students from Kajiado in secondary schools and universities.
“We are thankful to you for the generous work you do for our people. We are also appealing to other organisations to join hands with Light Up Hope in helping our children,” said Moshisho.
“We are extending our commitment to support local families by providing nutritious meals to children and their families in Kajiado County during the school break,” said Kelly Shaughnessy, President of Light Up Hope.
Shaughnessy said that the school holidays are a time when many children and their families experience food insecurity due to the unavailability of school meals.
“Light Up Hope has undertaken this initiative to support families in ensuring that no child goes hungry during this time and that they will all be reporting back in January 2024,” Shaughnessy said.
The Light Up Hope president said her organisation is education-focused and that they know when a student has no food, their ability to learn and grow is diminished.
“Our organisation feels honoured to be able to come alongside the local community to bring food aid to students both during school days as well as school break, especially at this extremely difficult time,” the Light Up Hope boss said.
She appealed to media houses in the country to help his organisation raise awareness about the issue of food insecurity during school holidays.
“This will inspire others to get involved while also ensuring integrity in the distribution of the holiday pack,” said the organisation’s boss.
Light Up Hope extended its heartfelt thanks to its sponsors, donors, and volunteers who have made the initiative possible.
“Your generosity and support are crucial in our efforts to ensure that every child has access to nutritious food,” said Shaughnessy.
“Light Up Hope looks forward to making a positive impact in the lives of local families during the upcoming school holidays and beyond,” she said.
He said Light Up Hope is running school feeding programmes in Kajiado County supporting 177 schools with a population of 61,700 school-going children.
It is also running sponsorships for 21 primary students, 162 high school girls and 104 girls in universities across the country.
“It is our vision to find creative solutions to offer a continuum of emotional, spiritual, physical and educational care for orphans and vulnerable children (OVCs), youths and their families in Kenya,” Shaughnessy said.
Emotional and spiritual care, she said, includes mentorship, counselling, professional guidance and life skills education.
Physical support includes but is not limited to; family unification, kin care, provision of food and adult transitional support, the organisation’s boss said.
Officials from the national and county governments were in attendance during the flagging off of the foodstuff to schools.
Image: KURGAT MARINDANY.