Ann Kinoti, Social Worker

Shalom from St. Aloysius Secondary school, Social Work Department

As a social worker, I conduct home visits to our students and their families to ascertain their general wellbeing and offer them much-needed social/emotional support. While in-person contacts have been minimized due to the COVID-19, the social effects of the pandemic are certainly obvious with the majority of our families. Every time I see families, they express gratitude for the enormous support they received over the past year, especially through the food distribution. Many families in the larger Kibera community marvel at the unique care and concern of our school.

On behalf of the entire St. Aloysius community, our students and their families, I share our sincere gratitude for the generosity and kindness of all who have supported our students and their families with food, funds and general support. Our gratitude is especially heartfelt during this pandemic.  

The majority of our students live in Kibera where their families depend on casual jobs and day labor. Unfortunately, prospects of these jobs diminished significantly with the onset of Covid-19 pandemic. This widespread loss of livelihoods required decisive intervention. The food distribution has had a great impact on our students. With proper, or at least adequate nourishment, the students are able to concentrate and complete the assignments given from school.  All of our students returned when the schools reopened for second term in January 2021, due in large part to this support. Through your generosity, for ten months we were able to provide more than 300 students and graduates with assorted food items. This not only provided nourishment, but also HOPE that keeps them going and believing that there are people in the world who care. The unmatched care for our students and their families has certainly been noticed and applauded by the larger community.

This year we have been reaching out to nearly 20 families per month in a more personal and significant way to provide additional support. Most of these families are affected by HIV/AIDS and need additional care and treatment. For these families, sufficient and nutritious food is very vital to their general wellbeing. 

May the Almighty God bless our well-wishers and all the people of goodwill who have consistently supported this great mission.

Ann Kinoti (Social Worker)