Kibera Hamlets

Today, I met with John Adolie of Kibera Hamlets; after a recommendation from Catherine Ndunge.

Kibera Hamlets is a community-based organization founded in 2004 by youth from Kibera.    The organization promotes sustainable community development  in Kibera through a number of programs that encourage youth to not only avoid risky behaviors, but to contribute to the improvement of their communities. Programs include education, girl’s empowerment, sports, and perhaps most notably the Acrobatics Program, which has been featured in a couple of movies about Kenya/ Kibera. See Kidnappet for one!

During our meeting, John and I discussed the idea of TWO hands students coming to Kibera to participate in a half day service project (which they offer to international volunteers). We also thought of collaborating on a youth leadership session which TWO Hands could help organize and I could even work with some contacts I already have in Kenya. The only issue, as always, is the concern of safety. Though John has assured me that Kibera Hamlets is protected by the village government. 

Did you know that Kibera is separated into counties with its own government and village elders? 

I didn't. But with a population of about one million within 2.5 square kilometers, it makes sense.

I have visited Kibera before, but I will definitely plan a visit to the organization in specific in the coming weeks, just to check out everything. We will move forward from there.

For more information, check out Kibera Hamlets. 

A note about Kibera: "Kibera is the second largest slum in Africa. With an estimated population of one million people living within 2.5 square kilometers, it is one of the most densely populated areas in Sub-Saharan Africa. Youth in Kibera face particular challenges. Many grow up in deplorable living conditions, lacking basic infrastructure and services including safe water, proper housing and sanitation, health services, garbage collection, law enforcement and access to an education."