Today, the Nairobi Rivers Commission, under the leadership of Chairperson Dr. Pamela Olet, along with Commissioners Dr. Duncan Ojwang and Grace Messoppir, embarked on an extensive tour of Nairobi Dam and its key tributaries to address the escalating waste pollution crisis. Joined by the Shanghai Municipal Engineering Design Institute (SMEDI), CEO of ETCO - Collince Onyango, community leaders, and representatives from the Ngong River Regeneration Network, the team assessed the severe impact of waste along critical points, including Area 51 - Sarang'ombe Bridge, Soweto West Bridge, Kibera South Hospital Bridge, and Nairobi Dam itself.
ETCO's continued children feeding program remains a beacon of hope for the community, providing nutritious meals to those in need every Saturday. Today, we served Githeri, a traditional Kenyan dish made from a delightful combination of maize and beans. This nutritious meal is not only enjoyed by the children but also by the youth and elderly who participate in our program. The smiles on their faces as they savor the food remind us of the impact we are making in their lives.
Another learning experience to engage with the community in Mathare and the River Line communities. Event filled with events and transfer of knowledge and information.
ETCO was actively represented at the Ngong River Regeneration Network - Zone 2 during World Rivers Day in Mathare, held at the Mathare Police Depot on Saturday, September 20th, and Sunday, September 21st, 2024. ETCO CEO Collince Onyango and Environmental Director Raphael Oduor engaged with visitors at the Ngong River Community tent, providing detailed explanations about the network's work and its Community Master Plan Roadmap. The Ngong River Regeneration Network is committed to raising awareness and promoting sensitization about rivers and riparian areas.
Yesterday, ETCO represented by Raphael Oduor - Environmental Director, had the privilege of attending a tree planting and growth event organized by the Karen Forte Foundation at Olympic High School, which was honored by the presence of Chief Environment Officer Nairobi County H.E. Hon. Geoffrey Mosiria. During the event, several important environmental issues were thoroughly discussed. Students, landlords, and the wider community were urged to take the lead in combating climate change by maintaining a clean environment and planting trees in their local areas.
Today, ETCO had the privilege of attending a capacity-building workshop organized by UN-Habitat, ICLEI Africa, and KDI, as part of the 3EP project—Emphasising Ecosystem, Elevating People. The workshop focused on the application of Nature-Based Solutions (NbS), Ecosystem-Based Adaptation (EbA), the Human Rights-Based Approach (HRBA), and participatory planning methods, particularly for river regeneration in Nairobi.
Yesterday, ETCO (www.etco-kenya.org) being part of the Ngong River Regeneration Network - Zone 2 held a significant march along the Ngong Rivers, covering areas in Kibera and Lang'ata Constituency within the Slums. The event was attended by 92 groups and organizations that form the network, along with other interested partners and individuals, including around 70 children, whose participation added a colorful and hopeful aspect to the event. Overall, the march attracted at least 362 participants, all united in spreading the key message of the day: the community’s crucial role in the regeneration of the rivers. The primary goal of the walk was to sensitize community members about the government’s ongoing plans to regenerate the Ngong Rivers. However, the event also served to remind the community that the government must actively involve them in the planning processes, especially when it comes to the evacuation efforts, and ensure that due procedures, including proper facilitation, are followed. The event highlighted the importance of community engagement in environmental initiatives, reinforcing the idea that sustainable development requires collaborative efforts between the government and the local people. Commissioner Eva from the Nairobi Rivers Commission, who attended the event, addressed the participants, explaining the government’s approach to regenerating the rivers, especially in Kibera Slums. She underscored the necessity of the recent evacuations along Nairobi and Mathare Rivers, noting that they were mandated by an executive order aimed at protecting lives during the destructive El Niño season.
Dear Community Members of Kibera, Lang'ata Constituency, and its neighbors, The Ngong Rivers Regeneration Network - Zone 2 warmly invites you to join us for a walk/march tomorrow from Kibra 42 area to Highrise - Seafar Area. The event will start at 8:00 a.m., with meet-up time at 7:30 a.m., and will conclude at 12:00 noon. Our goal is to raise awareness about the benefits of maintaining a clean environment and the importance of living in a safe, healthy space. We encourage everyone to participate, share ideas, and engage in discussions on preserving our riparian areas and supporting initiatives that help the government and community mitigate the negative impacts of climate change. (Each group is expected to come with at least 20 people) Let’s come together, walk for our environment, and inspire others to take action. Join us, and don’t forget to spread the word! See you there!
Today, we conducted a voluntary cleanup with the goal of collecting readily available waste. As we work towards securing funding, our aim is to mobilize more people to help us gather and sort a significant amount of waste. On day two, we continued our voluntary efforts to secure areas where we can access waste for future sorting. We engaged six youths, offering them $5 per day for their assistance. So far, we've been at it for seven days.
The Foundation of Hope in collaboration with the Ngong Rivers Zone 2 Regeneration Network (ETCO included) organized a successful cleanup and sensitization activity in Kiandaa village, Sarang'ombe Ward, Kibra Constituency.
Today, ETCO, in collaboration with local and international partners, hosted a community awareness and cleanup event in Soweto East village, Nyayo Highrise Ward, Lang'ata Constituency. The event was graced by notable figures such as Power Engineers' Don Stuartuvent, Erik Nquist, and Gino; Ecologists Without Borders' Cleve Stuart; Nairobi Rivers Commission's Rebecca Bor; Kounkey Designs Initiative's Ibrahim and his team, PAKPRO's Melissa Kasaba; and various Nairobi County officials including Assistant County Commissioner Rodrick Cheruiyot, District County Commissioner Eliud Waweru Ngung'u, area chiefs Isaac and Kennedy, and the office of the area Member of County Assembly representative, Moses Oyoo. Stakeholders from Ngong' Rivers Zone 2 and community members also participated.
On the second day of our site visits and meetings, the ETCO team participated in a capacity-building training provided by Care Kenya. This session was crucial for us to understand the importance of sharing household responsibilities to be supportive and effective family members. During this training, our environmental program partners, EcoWB and Power Engineers, joined us and gained insight into our activities beyond our environmental care initiatives.
Our partners from EcoWB and Power Engineers arrived yesterday. After a welcome meeting at IBIS Hotel, we took an evening walk to have an overview of the site and office. The 1st team to arrive was Cleve from EcoWB and Erik from Power Engineers.
Yesterday, ETCO, together with the UEBERT Angel Foundation and The GOOD News, collaborated to make ETCO's Saturday Children Feeding Program a resounding success. This initiative provided nutritious meals to children in need, ensuring they have the energy and nourishment necessary for their growth and development. The joint effort between these organizations exemplifies the power of collaboration in addressing community challenges and supporting the well-being of its youngest members.
Yesterday, ETCO, in collaboration with , the Uebert Angel Foundation (UAF) and the Good News Church, celebrated the success of their Saturday feeding program on June 29th. This initiative saw more than 380 individuals, ranging from children to the elderly, receiving nourishment and support. The partnership between ETCO and UAF, particularly with the SE Nairobi branch, was crucial in ensuring the program's success. ETCO expresses gratitude for this collaboration and eagerly anticipates continued teamwork to positively impact society.
This is a crucial initiative aimed at addressing food insecurity among vulnerable children in the community. Every Saturday, we provide nutritious meals to children who might otherwise go hungry. By offering this support, ETCO not only alleviates immediate hunger but also helps to create a more stable environment for children to thrive, both physically and mentally.
The loading of collected solid waste from temporary disposal points was scheduled for day four. However, due to technical issues and other unavoidable circumstances, the trucks couldn't reach the sites on time. The first lorry arrived at the Nairobi West site around 2 p.m. and was loaded within an hour and a half, facilitating timely transportation to the Dandora dumping site. At approximately 10 p.m. yesterday, our committed team of community volunteers, along with PAKPRO and KEPRO teams, worked through the night to collect and load garbage in the Mashimoni area of Laini-saba Ward in Kibra. This effort involved loading two trucks and took about five hours, leaving many of us with little to no sleep as we had to prepare for further collection and loading at Mbagathi/Highrise and Seafar sites early the next morning.
Today is the 3rd day of the Ngong River cleanup initiative. It's been a head to head work in three major areas (Mashimoni area in Kibera, at the bridge near Highrise Estate and Nairobi West) along the Ngong Rivers. ETCO has gained valuable insights into the cleanup process, which are essential for maintaining the sustainability of our efforts. We've learned crucial lessons on environmental suitability and effective resource management, ensuring that our initiatives have a lasting impact.
The second day of the Ngong River cleanup, conducted by ETCO in partnership with KEPRO, PAKPRO, local authorities, and other local organizations, was a resounding success. Volunteers meticulously collected solid waste from three sections of the river and transported it to temporary holding points for proper disposal.
Before, during and after clean up event Day 1. Today's cleanup of Ngong River zone 3, Nairobi West area, Mashimoni Lindi Dump site area in Kibra, was a significant success, bringing together ETCO, PAKPRO, and KEPRO in a concerted effort to restore the river's health. The collaboration between these organizations demonstrated the power of partnership in tackling environmental challenges. Volunteers worked tirelessly to remove waste and debris, making a noticeable impact on the river's appearance and health. The cleanup event is scheduled to continue for the next two days, ensuring that even more progress can be made in this crucial effort to rejuvenate the river.
ETCO's Saturday feeding program has become a cornerstone of our community engagement, serving as a beacon of hope and support for the children in our community. We feel blessed by God's grace, guiding us along this journey, and providing us the strength and resources to make a positive impact. Each Saturday, we come together to provide nutritious meals, creating a nurturing environment where children can thrive and feel cared for. This program not only addresses immediate needs but also fosters a sense of belonging and stability for the children we serve.
ETCO, in collaboration with the Uebert Angel Foundation (UAF) and the Good News Church, celebrated their Saturday feeding program on May 25th. The event was graced by our new board member, Linda Gitau (Keke), who visited to witness the program firsthand. Linda joins the ETCO Board as our Coordinator for Charity Events, and we are grateful she enjoyed her introduction to our work.
SDI - Kenya, in collaboration with ETCO, actively engaged in distributing relief food to various vulnerable groups in Kibra, including flood victims, evicted individuals, the elderly, people with disabilities, and other vulnerable community members. The initiative successfully reached over 500 individuals, providing crucial support during challenging times.
The Tujiamini SportPesa Program made a significant impact in its support for ETCO and its programs, particularly the Saturday children's feeding program. This partnership was not just about financial support but also about a shared commitment to community welfare. Their involvement in commemorating lives lost to floods and climate change-related disasters showcased a deep understanding of the environmental challenges facing Kenya.
It's a public holiday, tree planting, unclogging of waterways and commemorating lives lost through floods. Children feeding program and food donation to community members of Nyayo Highrise Ward.
Today, sponsored by Act Change Transform (ACT), the Nairobi Rivers Commission conducted a validation meeting for its Strategic Plan spanning 2023 to 2027. It was a privilege for ETCO to be part of this discussion, represented by it's CEO - Collince Onyango and the Environmental Director - Raphael Oduor. The session entailed a thorough review of the plan, with discussions aimed at enhancing clarity and aligning it with the goal of achieving comprehensive river regeneration. The main focus was on waste management, resource mobilization and riparian spaces as part of it's thematic areas.
Service to humanity is at the core of ETCO's mission. We extended a helping hand to the flood victims in Nyayo Highrise Ward, Lang'ata Constituency, particularly in the Andolo and Russia areas. The impact of the floods has been devastating, with many people displaced, properties destroyed, and lives lost. Despite the challenges, we are grateful for the overwhelming support from individuals and organizations standing with us in aiding the flood victims in Kibera through ETCO.
Dire Flooding situation. Immediate assistance urgently required in Kibera: Floods have ravaged homes and properties, negatively impacting lives, causing diseases, deaths, and displacing many. Current situation includes damaged homes, families lacking basic necessities like clothes, food, and bedding. Urgent aid needed to prevent further suffering and disease outbreaks. You can help by donating essential items such as clothes, food, bedding, and household goods. Drop-off location at ETCO - Empower The Community Office in Soweto East village, Nyayo Highrise Ward, Lang'ata Constituency. Link of office: https://maps.app.goo.gl/PvYX6DhrWQMMLQ6J9 Your contribution will provide much-needed relief to affected families striving to rebuild their lives. For more inquiries, contact: Collince Onyango at +254718783190 Or visit www.etco-kenya.org.
It's currently the 16th week of 2024, and we're truly grateful for how far we've come. We feel blessed by God's grace, guiding us along this journey. Our children feeding program has become a cornerstone of our community engagement. We deeply appreciate the support of our volunteers, donors, partners, and sponsors, both ongoing and contractual. Hosting UAF at ETCO was a great honor, and your support has made a lasting impact. Words cannot fully convey the joy, fun, and learning we experienced during your visit. Sharing the word with the kids was a true blessing.
Today, ETCO kicked off an environmental care campaign with a sensitization event at Canaan Estate Community Hall. Esteemed speakers including local administration representatives, the area chief, and the Assistant County Commissioner (ACC), as well as local leaders and estate management Hon. Hannah Wanjiru (Shiro), joined us alongside our partners ; Wilson Miugo - Whispers, Stephen Oduor-Kibera plastic iniatiave, Samwel odhiambo-Kenya Forest club, Bernard Otieno - Lang'ata Local Water Forum, Joyce Wambui - KFC Kasarani, Michael Wanjohi - Youth Better Days and representatives.
Tomorrow is the day. Flooding is becoming a problem. Let's unclog the rivers and let them flow.
ETCO's Children Feeding Program is a vital initiative aimed at addressing hunger among vulnerable children. The program provides nutritious meals to children from disadvantaged backgrounds, ensuring they receive essential nutrients for their growth and development. We partner with local organizations to reach out to children who may otherwise go without regular meals, helping to improve their health and well-being.
As a child, githeri was one of my all-time favorite meals. Packed with essential nutrients, it fueled my growth and kept me going. The maize provided an instant energy boost, while the beans offered the lasting power my body needed.
ETCO's children feeding program, a weekly event held every Saturday, is a testament to the organization's commitment to community welfare. It's a joyous occasion where children gather to receive nourishing meals, often their only reliable source of sustenance. This program is a blessing, made possible by the generous donations and unwavering support from individuals and organizations who believe in ETCO's mission to empower the community.
The heavy downpour last night along the Ngong River corridors did not result in any loss of life, but it led to significant destruction of structures and widespread flooding. The floods swept away household properties, with several households being inundated with solid waste materials carried by the floodwaters. Additionally, the unplanned deposition of solid waste onto roads and pathways has hindered accessibility and requires urgent intervention. Moreover, open ditches filled with rainwater pose hazards to the environment and need to be addressed promptly.
ETCO's Saturday Children Feeding Program saw a significant increase in attendance today, with more children participating. These programs are crucial for providing meals to our community. Beyond children, this initiative also includes youth and elderly members, demonstrating its wide-ranging impact across different age groups in the community.
It's a fantastic day for environmental enthusiasts as communities celebrate World Water Day. Nairobi Rivers Commision and the UN-Habitat organized a Nairobi community trip to Thwake dam to see the impact of the pollution downstream. During flagging off of the trip Nairobi Rivers Commission Chairperson Dr. Pamela Olet emphasized the need to regenerate the rivers and assured the Government's commitment as she flagged off the team. Present Were Nairobi Rivers Commission Vice Chairperson Prof. Elijah Biamah and Commissioner Dr. Duncan Ojwang
Today's children feeding program was truly remarkable, marked by its highly interactive nature. The session was not just about providing meals but also about creating a nurturing environment for the children. Before enjoying their meals, the kids engaged in creative activities like drawing and painting, which not only sparked their creativity but also provided a sense of joy and accomplishment.
That's wonderful to hear about your children feeding program! Week 6 of 2024 must mark a significant milestone. It's heartwarming to see the program's impact growing. The consistent effort and dedication you and your team put into this initiative are truly making a difference in the lives of these children.
Our children feeding program strives to nourish young minds and bodies, but it faces challenges related to the availability and sustainability of essential equipment like plates and spoons. Ensuring every child has access to these basic utensils can be difficult, especially in resource-constrained environments where funding for such items may be limited. Additionally, maintaining a sufficient supply of plates and spoons requires ongoing efforts to repair or replace damaged or lost items.
Today, ETCO's feeding program was particularly special as it not only provided nourishment but also valuable life skills lessons. The visitors who generously contributed their time and knowledge added a unique dimension to the event. As we all sat down to enjoy the meal together, the atmosphere was one of warmth and camaraderie.
Our successful feeding program has been a source of joy and fulfillment for both the organizers and the children involved. Gathering with the children regularly not only provides them with nutritious meals but also creates a space for teaching and learning new things.
The Saturday children's feeding program has kicked off the year with a positive start, witnessing a notable increase in the number of children attending. This surge in attendance reflects a growing awareness and appreciation within the community for the program's importance in providing nutritious meals to children in need. Volunteers and organizers have been heartened by the enthusiastic response, which has fueled their dedication to ensuring every child receives a warm meal and a welcoming environment on Saturdays.
Happy New Year! On the first day of the year, we were thrilled to kick off our children feeding program. We were excited to share this special day with a large number of children, as well as youth and elderly members of our community.
As we bid farewell to 2023, ETCO reflects on a year defined by collective commitment and impactful strides. Gratitude extends to our dedicated team, steadfast partners, and resilient communities. In 2023, our holistic community well-being approach saw significant successes. The Feeding Program alleviated food insecurity, fostering community and support. Simultaneously, environmental care initiatives resulted in cleaner, greener spaces. Complementing our mission, the ETCO Computer Centre became a beacon of educational empowerment, bridging the digital divide. Looking ahead to 2024, our unwavering resolve propels us into a year filled with promise and fresh opportunities. Together, let's continue shaping a future where empowerment knows no bounds. May the coming year be adorned with moments of growth, resilience, and unbridled joy. Here's to new beginnings, shared triumphs, and a profound impact on the lives we touch. In the spirit of unity and collaboration, ETCO wishes you a festive holiday season and a New Year adorned with prosperity, good health, and limitless opportunities. "Happy New Year!" Warm regards, ETCO-EMPOWER THE COMMUNITY
One more wonderful occasion for ETCO - Empower The Community - to gather and enjoy a meal together with community members on the special occasion of Christmas Day, celebrating the joy it brings, fostering cherished memories, and emphasizing the significance of this festive day in uniting people and spreading happiness within the community.
"Merry-Christmas-ETCO-Community: Celebrate the season of unity and joy with ETCO! Your support has transformed lives. Here's to a festive season filled with hope, community love, and positive change.🎄
ETCO, in collaboration with UN Habitat, the German Embassy, and the Nairobi Rivers Commission (NRC), organized a successful community engagement event at Canaan Estate Community Hall focusing on Nairobi Rivers. This gathering significantly promoted dialogue and cooperation, concentrating on the primary objectives, vision, and strategic approaches essential for the effective management of the Nairobi Dam and its associated tributaries.
As the year draws to a close, our children's feeding program has shown remarkable consistency and growth. The increased number of participating children means we'll need to expand our budget for next year. Despite some challenges, we're immensely grateful to everyone who has supported all our programs, not just the children's feeding initiative. Your support has been pivotal; without it, our accomplishments would have been significantly fewer.
Today, we convened our inaugural Annual General Meeting (AGM) where we extensively covered various topics such as our 2024 strategic plan, financial statement report, our accomplishments, and the hurdles we faced.Departmental Directors delivered insightful presentations outlining their plans, challenges, and potential solutions.
The children feeding program at ETCO represents a vital initiative aimed at addressing food insecurity among youngsters. By providing nutritious meals, it not only tackles hunger but also fosters holistic development.
The Saturday Children Feeding Program by ETCO saw a remarkable increase in the number of participating children today. This surge is attributed to the ongoing school closures, as many kids are a few weeks into their long holidays, making them reliant on such programs for meals.
On November 20, 2023, a highly successful community discussions on the effects and opportunities brought about by poor drainage and waste management, and clean-up event took place, orchestrated through collaborative efforts with our esteemed partners, Power Engineers and Ecologists Without Borders (EcoWB). This event was a testament to the impactful teamwork between these organizations, the German Embassy Ambassador via UN-Habitat, government bodies such as the Nairobi Rivers Commission (NRC), local community groups, and dedicated individuals. Notably, the active participation of the Nairobi Governor's 'Green Army' significantly magnified the event's positive impact.
The primary initiative at ETCO is our children's feeding program, which we carry out joyfully and with immense satisfaction. We invite anyone to join us as volunteers, partners, donors, or sponsors to bring smiles to children's faces on Saturdays, especially during these challenging economic times and extended holidays.
In Nyayo Highrise Ward, ETCO, in collaboration with Power Engineers , EcoWB, LLWF, ESNAC, Amani Kibera, Highrise Garbage Youth Initiative, and others, actively participated in a tree planting initiative today, planting 350 tree seedlings across different areas of Nyayo Highrise Ward. The event, overseen by Area Chief Mr. Kennedy, saw group leaders emphasizing the significance of environmental care and tree planting in an ecosystem.
ETCO's Saturday Children Feeding Program continues to make a significant impact on the community, and today's session was no exception. This feeding program has become a beacon of hope, providing nutritious meals and educational opportunities to underprivileged children.
ETCO with the support from German Embassy, UN-Habitat, EcoWB & Power Engineers are collaborating with local groups along the Ngong River to clean and restore it. Community groups are focused on cleaning the river in their areas. This not only helps with their main goal but also brings fresh ideas, job opportunities, and better waste management for their nearby rivers.
The impacts of El Nino are starting to affect the Kibera informal settlement. Schools are closed, making it important to monitor where children are spending their time and what activities they are engaged in. The major hazards they face include flooded waters, fast-moving water run-offs, and streams, in addition to waterborne diseases and malaria.
On this World Cities Day, ETCO, in collaboration with the Nairobi Rivers Commission, engaged with communities living along Nairobi Rivers to discuss environmental concerns and how to maintain the cleanliness of all Nairobi rivers. The event, themed "Let The Rivers Flow," took place at Pumwani Social Hall.
Today's children's feeding program saw a significant increase in the number of participants, primarily due to the onset of a two-month holiday break resulting in school closures.
Today, the ETCO Office organized a heartwarming children's feeding program that left a lasting impact on all those involved. With great enthusiasm, volunteers and staff came together to provide nutritious meals to children in the local community.
Continuation of environmental conservation is our duty. Our partners and other interested groups working tirelessly to keep the planet a good home for everything in it.
Saturdays are normally the best for us, as we share meals with children, a few youths, and the elderly, making it another day to be happy about.
Our Children's Feeding Program is at the heart of what we do at ETCO. Every Saturday, we come together to make sure these young ones enjoy a delicious meal during lunchtime.
Despite the onset of colder weather and the looming threat of rain and bad weather, today's children's feeding program at ETCO remained resolute in its commitment to ensuring the well-being of the young ones. As expectations of inclement weather grow, the dedication of our team only strengthens.
Our strong commitment to a clean environment compels us to remain dissatisfied with an untidy or neglected environment. We are dedicated to raising awareness about the crucial link between a clean environment and good health.
ETCO (www.etco-kenya.org), Ecologists Without Boarders (EcoWB) and Power Engineers in partnership with the Nairobi Rivers Commission (NRC) and Water Resource Authority (WRA), extends an invitation to join us for the grand launch of the Nairobi Rivers Clean-up on September 23rd at Gatina - Kawangware from 9a.m
Every Saturday, ETCO carries out a feeding program for both children and the elderly in our community. The enthusiasm and excitement within our team are palpable as we prepare to bring nourishment and smiles to those who need it most.
ETCO's CEO and Langa'ta Member of Parliament, Phelix Odiwuor, also known as Jalang'o, paid a courtesy visit to the Nairobi River Commission.
As always, we take joy in having lunch with the children. It seems like they consider ETCO their second home and relish spending most of their day at our offices, whether or not there are specific activities planned for them.
Yet another opportunity to find joy in life at ETCO. In this context, "life" refers to the act of sharing and deriving pleasure from what we possess, regardless of its size or scale.
ETCO, Power Engineers, and Ecologists Without Borders (EcoWB) engaged in a fruitful dialogue regarding the first phase of the Nairobi Dam Conservation Project. Our environmental department is diligently striving to ensure the well-being of our community members by maintaining a healthy environment. This effort comes just a week prior to the UN Climate Change Summit in Nairobi. "Climate action is not a Global North issue or a Global South issue. It is our collective challenge, and it affects all of us. We need to come together to find common, global solutions." ~ H.E President William Samoei Ruto
Just prior to children return to school next week Monday, today provided another wonderful opportunity to be with them, enjoy a meal, and witness joyful expressions, patience, and playfulness while waiting for food.
The second weekend after schools have shut down, we find joy in spending ample time with these kids, engaging in learning, enjoyable games, and sharing meals.
With schools being closed, our focus shifts to keeping kids engaged through a variety of activities such as sports, acting, music, dance, drawing, and social skills. During these holidays, we see more children participating in our feeding program, and today's session highlighted this trend. Your support in keeping this program alive is greatly appreciated, and we encourage those willing and able to contribute positively to these children's lives to join us.
Exposure plays a crucial role in human development, offering them practical knowledge through their senses like sight, smell, touch, hearing, and taste. ETCO is organized a trip to Nairobi National Museum today, for 30 children below 9 < 16 years of age. Food and transportation was provided.
No matter how chilly the weather was today, we made certain that our kitchen/office/store was sufficiently heated to prepare a meal for the kids. We take great delight in sharing lunch with the children in our community, as it brings us joy to witness them eating heartily and enjoying their social interactions, alongside other programs provided by ETCO before the meal.
During this period of recuperation from the nationwide protests over the rising living expenses, it remains crucial to ensure that people, especially children, have access to food. That's why at ETCO, we have taken on the responsibility of organizing a children's feeding program every Saturday.
After a tumultuous week for both children and parents, ETCO holds a children/elderly feeding program every Saturday to address the challenges they are facing. The ongoing weekday protests have significantly impacted parents' ability to provide sufficient support for their families, especially in these tough economic times.
Today, we were visited by Prof. Sang David from Maseno University's School of Public Health and Environmental Science. We discussed the importance of creating a thriving community by ensuring a clean, comfortable, and productive environment for everyone throughout the country. We emphasized the need for collaboration to achieve the goals of our organization. Additionally, we carried out our regular Saturday program, which involved feeding children and teaching them important life skills.
Despite the frigid weather in Nairobi, both parents and children are going about their usual routines. The parents are focused on working, while the children are engaged in play, especially for those who haven't attended school or tuition centers. ETCO, on the other hand, continued with their regular activities, which involved providing warm lunch to keep people's stomachs full.
ETCO's Saturday's Children Feeding Program deeply values your support, as it is the foundation of our continued operation. We extend our heartfelt appreciation for your contribution, which makes a significant impact. Please continue your valuable support, as it makes a lasting difference.
The language we speak best with the kids. We just love how much happiness the show when we share the meals together.
On the 16th of June, the Day of an African Child was commemorated. ETCO collaborated with organizations such as Greencard Mtaani, Women Network, Anointed Voice for the needy, SPEC, and Janris Foundation to organize a celebration involving approximately 16 schools. The event aimed to educate children about their rights, with a particular focus on the digital environment.
We're teaming up with Greencard Mtaani, Women Network, Jahris Foundation, and Anointed Voice for the Needy to celebrate the International Day of the African Child on June 16th. This year's theme is "The Rights of the Child in the Digital Environment," with activities such as music, art, sports, and computer safety training. We urge everyone to join us in supporting children's rights in the digital age.
During this week, we were compelled to augment the amount of food prepared at ETCO due to a rise in the number of individuals we serve. It is no longer limited to the usual proportions of approximately 350 children and 150 adults. Today, we witnessed almost identical figures for both adults and children. We extend our gratitude to all those who contribute to this program. Your support is sincerely valued, and we acknowledge your kindness and understanding.
In the 22nd week of 2023, the Children Feeding Program continues to thrive, attracting an increasing number of participants each day. Since it's the weekend, specifically Saturday, both children and adults are typically at home rather than attending school or work. ETCO is delighted to foster a strong connection with the community by offering one meal every Saturday and sharing in the joy it brings.
Today at ETCO, in addition to our regular feeding program, we organized a drawing and painting session to inspire children who are interested in art to develop their talents. The purpose of this activity was to identify children who show potential and can be enrolled in dedicated drawing and painting classes.
ETCO had a successful meeting with representatives from SHOFCO (C.E.O's Office) - Harry Jameson and EcoWB - Cleve Steward & Stuart Buchaman to discuss the Nairobi Dam and its tributaries. The meeting included Moseti Nyaenya and Collince Onyango from ETCO. The plans discussed involved initiating monthly Community Clean Up programs that would eventually expand to include the dam reservation. Additionally, there was a focus on raising awareness and educating the community about gender-based violence.
Today marked the second day of the youth Business Training session, with a strong focus on empowering young women. The session aimed to equip the youth with the necessary skills for employment and assist them in securing job opportunities within the hospital sector. ETCO expresses its deep gratitude to everyone involved in making this program a success once again.
The first day of business training for the youth in Kibera was a significant step towards addressing the challenges faced by the community. With high rates of unemployment, the young people in Kibera often struggle to navigate through tough economic circumstances, leading some to resort to social vices in order to survive.
We are thankful for the fortunate opportunity to recognize that individuals are ready and capable of aiding our program to provide meals for children. The feeding program has become our primary initiative, and we sincerely value the contributors and supporters. Today holds a significant significance because we were uncertain if we could achieve this, but miraculously, circumstances aligned, and we succeeded. We contribute not because we possess abundance, but because we understand the hardship of having nothing.
Providing food and nourishment can create a sense of security and care, which can help children feel more comfortable opening up and sharing their thoughts and feelings.
ETCO and African Initiative For Rural Development. has organized a business training for the youth in Kibera Slums. It's an opportunity for young people to gain employability skills and potentially secure placements in the hospitality sector. We encourage interested youths to take advantage of this opportunity and register for the event as soon as possible, as there are limited slots available. They can send an SMS to 0711 785664 to register or for more information.
Overall, it was a fantastic day! It’s always important to take time to appreciate the good things in life and celebrate successes, and everyone involved had a lot to be proud of. NB: - We invite donors, partners, and sponsors to participate in organizing the next event! Collaborating with others can help make the event even more successful and enjoyable. It’s also a good opportunity to build relationships and engage with the community.
*Exciting news!* ETCO-Kenya is organizing a soccer tournament to promote sports development among youth and scout for young talents. We're also giving back to the community through a children feeding program and donating stationaries. We're committed to reducing crime, substance abuse, and poverty through environmental care, education, sports development, arts, and business innovation. Join us in creating a positive impact on our communities. through: donations, partnerships and/or sponsorships. #ETCOKenya #SportsDevelopment #CommunityOutreach #PositiveImpact
This has for sure been a great day right from the beginning to the end. We've had a series of events from, children playing soccer, handball/volley, feeding program and finally the Live show performance from ETCO Theatre.
Rainy season and still grateful for the blessings as we continue with our programs. Always made possible with your donations. They really go a long way in ensuring that our children have a successful weekend.
All the way from Colombia, England and France. Thank you Rodger Mulla for bringing in visitors. It was good to see you again after 11 years since highschool... A good and happy day, full of tour in Kibera and it's beauty. Hope you enjoyed.
Today, we started computer classes for the children in grade 6 and above. The lessons were used as test run to see if the program can be effective and to still keep children engaged before food gets ready.
The beginning of a cold season. Feeding program is on nevertheless. We like that the children have already trusted that at least on this specific day every week, they have to get something at ETCO; be it educative, entertaining or just a general life skill.
Having visitors come to talk to the children about the life skills is a good show of what we truly value. Whenever they aren't around, children just hang around waiting for food to be ready.
It's surprising how the numbers of children keep growing at ETCO despite the schools being in session. This normally happens mostly when schools are closed. Because of your support, we are always able to manage the numbers.
Another good day for us to share. We are always grateful to our donors who ensure that we continue with this program. Be blessed abundantly.
It's an honor to not only receive visitors on this day, but also celebrate a birthday with Mrs. Damaris Mungai - Officer UNEP and her friends and relatives. Our children have had a privilege to hear encouraging words and stories of personal experiences from the visitors; Antony, Nahashon, Tito, Soila, Nash, and the Kenyan International Paralympics' Henry Wanyoike and others. We also had Tony Machaha and Chris from Ecologists Without Boarders - EcoWB, Monika - Founder of Kibera Creative Arts (KiCA) visiting us. Perfomances from the children themselves and our own local star Peter Waweru - VIrusi Mbaya.
It's mid-week, with a bit of unfavorable economy and sunny season (Very hot), but we are grateful for always having a moment to share meals together. Thank you so much Joseph (Joe) Tako for the support. It's been a good day for us.
Youth leaders from different wards (Nyayo Highrise, Mugumu-ini, Karen, South C and Nairobi West) of Lang'ata Constituency in Nairobi county today met with Hon. Oduk Oginga Oduk today under the umbrella of ETCO, had a discussion of how we can Empower the youths in Lang'ata on sustainable development programs.
Through the help of Joseph Tako and our board, we purchased some traditional African Cultural Music instruments to be used to engage/train children on dancing and singing. We are happy to help our community members uphold their good, educative and entertaining cultural practices through this program.
It's always a surprise how children love hanging out at ETCO Offices on Saturdays. Schools were open early this week but we aren't sure whether its the kids that didn't travel back home for school or they are still enjoying the holiday or that they are officially staying around. We think that the numbers have just grown and seems like they keep telling each other about the activities at ETCO on this specific day. We shall be soon launching our Art Program were we shall focus on African Cultural dance and music.
Time's moving really fast.... A few days ago, we just started the year and its almost over.... Children are about to go back to school. However, we still do what we love doing best.
It's been really a busy week with installation of computer desks and the counter area at the ETCO Computer Centre. It was also another successful day for us with the kids. Learning and enjoying good moments together.
To sustain our programs, we need some income generating activities. Funds generated will allow room for other helpful programs to continue like our feeding, art and education programs. Great thanks to Willow Oak Advisory for the donation of the computers. We appreciate your partnership. It means a lot to us.
This is the 1st weekend of the year. We share together in love as we play, and interact to create more strong friendship bond of friendship from childhood. It's still during this tough economic time worldwide but we are always grateful to our donors who make these program sustainable. may you always be blessed with more and in abundance.
ETCO Computer Centre - About to be ready for the community members in Highrise. We shall have *Free* Computer Lessons for Children of specific number, age grade and class for a 1 term period of 3 months.
Two more weeks to end the year. We share today's meal as we learn and prepare ourselves for more activities to come next year. Next year, we shall increase our activities. The Entertainment Department is working on coming up with ETCO Cultu
Schools are closed, parents are busy hustling and we here ensure that our children are safe and sound. We are pleased to have the numbers increase every Saturday... From 200 to 406 today..... We are grateful to the donors and volunteers who
You know, the act of feeding someone is the ultimate act of care and affection...sharing yourself with someone else through food. Think about it. Our mothers fed us in the Eucharist, when we are infants, by our parents as children, by frie
We have a saying in Swahili that goes like 'mgeni njoo, mwenyeji apone' - Visitor come so that the host can be healed. It means that visitors are a blessing wherever they go. We expect them to bring joy and uplift spirits to their hosts. We
Cold and rainy in the mornings and evenings, but still grateful to have our normal gatherings. Playing and learning together feels nice. Social skills and confidence nurturing is one of the key values we ensure to instill to our young gener
Leadership and Conflict Management Skills for Electoral Stakeholders It was truly a good learning process and leadership training process offered by the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) and European Union. Implementing pa
It's been a while since we did our feeding program. We missed doing what we love the most. We missed sharing the joy and fun time with the kids. We are grateful to all of you who support this program and understand how deep the support goes
Sharing with the victims of fire tragedy that happened 2 days ago at the area around Soweto East Resource Centre. The tragedy left at least 50 households homeless, without clothing and food. We are truly grateful for the donations already c
That nice feeling that comes with seeing children play around ETCO Office with the surety of having that one meal... When you see their smiling faces after eating, shows their contentment and assurance of being ready to tackle on the day wi
Celebrating the New Year with Community Members in Kibera. All this was made possible by the good support of our partner Willow Oak Advisory. (www.willowoakadvisory.com) Earlier today at ETCO Offices. We had a good turn up of the communit
Going down right now at ETCO Office. The feeling of satisfaction when we see our community happy especially today, sharing a meal with the younger and the elderly. We are grateful to all our donors and sponsors.
It was another round of Vaccination today where those who had not receivedany Covid 19 Vaccine were injected with the 1st doze of either Moderna or Astrazeneca.... We are also set for tomorrow. Don't miss out. Tell a friend to tell a frien
Come for your 2nd doze of Covid-19 Vaccination at Undugu Level 2 Hospital on Friday 22nd..... You can get your 1st Vaccination as well. Tell a friend to tell a friend. Prevention is better...
Taking Environmental matters in Kibera and it's neighborhood seriously. Our focus being the Nairobi Dam and it's tributaries. It is encouraging to have NMS setting all the relevant facilities towards restoring Nairobi Dam. I had to pay a vi
We are engaging all the relevant stakeholders, both locally and internationally, in building a strong focus on restoring the magnificent views of Nairobi Dam and it's benefits. ETCO in partnership with NMS Officers in charge of Environment
It's Day 2 of Covid 19 Vaccination at Undugu Grounds. We started at 9a.m. We shall do this all through this month (Only during weekends on Saturdays and Sundays). Todays turnout is encouraging and we can't wait to see a reopened country. W
People are still skeptical about being vaccinated based on the misinformation and disinformation spread on the effects of Covid 19. However, we still have those who believe that it is important to be vaccinated and they come for the vaccina
Led by Dr. Asma, KITO Team led by Dr. Marcus Harbord and Fabio Divac visited our office in Kibera, Soweto East. We discussed a lot about our community including how to provide a free and reliable symptoms checker combined with tailored me
Kibera Community has a large number of unvaccinated people and yet they are living in a compacted settlement set up which makes it easier for the coronavirus to easily spread out. However, we can also use the same set up to vaccinate a larg
How privileged, an hohonour and a blessing to have Alex Chamwada (CEO - Chams Media) visit us. It was a nice interaction with the youth of Kibera. Offering encouraging talks on career path and passion. Ensuring that we are motivated enough
It has been a busy great day today. Being a Saturday, we had our normal feeding program alongside ETCO Cyber furnishing. We believe in connecting talent/skills to relevant opportunities. Job creation, business innovation, and environmental
Children are at home for a week. This is a break for mid-term and normally during this time, we have a huge number of children who come for the feeding program. We are always excited to serve them to the fullest. Today, we had enough to inc
Leave alone the rampant fire incidents in Nyayo Highrise Ward, Lang’ata Constituency, Security matters among other crimes have been incredibly a worse situation in this same area. ETCO - Empower The Community took an initiative earlier toda
This month has been a crazy one with several occurrences of fire accompanied by huge loss of properties. Today is another sad day for the Kibera residents of Sunday Studios area as there is another fire outbreak consuming properties and lea
ETCO today distributed ladies clothes to the victims of Fire in Silanga Area, Nyayo Highrise Ward, Lang’ata Constituency, that left most families barley with nothing.... We are grateful to our donors for the clothes received. Your kindnes
Nairobi is currently so cold but still, we have to ensure that children have had some food. We like when they play just close to our kitchen office.... Having visitors to see and interact with these children is a whole other nice experience
“There are genuinely sufficient resources in the world to ensure that no one, nowhere, at no time, should go hungry.” – Ed Asner We are always happy and appreciative with our donors who always ensure that they avail the necessary equipment
Today in partnership with Aboro, @CBCK, @Narec, @JanrisFoundation,@SIRMAX , @KCERT, @ZuriInnitiative @MirorofHopeCBO, we celebrated the Day of The African Child. Agenda: 2040 was well Articulated and Awareness Created... We are happy to hav
Freedom is meaningless if you cannot put food in their stomachs.” – Nelson Mandela
Showing your love through feeding is an amazing act of care and affection. Never stop showing compassion to those who need it the most.... No matter how difficult it can be to imagine hungry children raising awareness of the problem can he
Some families simply cannot afford food. We try our best to ensure that at least every Saturday, we get food for children. Other areas are not developed with safe roadways or is plagued by war making food difficult to transport there. Other
It is the 2nd week of the month. It feels good not finding it easy to access the office because the number of children today was beyond the expectation. We are grateful to serve them with what was available.
Welcoming this new day with our feeding program. We hope this month becomes a blessing to the these young children, their parents and the donors who consistently support this program to ensure that children have a safe space to interact an
The 1st month is almost over from the time schools were closed. The children have already known that we are here at the best time they need us (Lunch time). They start playing so close to our office (current kitchen) just before the food is
Kibera slums has a lot of talents ranging from soccer, volley ball, among others. Rugby has been less focused on and most often our children either go for miles to look for this sport or completely ignore its importance and fun..... Integri
Schools are closed and the number of children at our Feed a Kid Saturday's program is growing. There is more need for life skills talks, feeding and non-food donations and children monitoring. From about 200 kids to nearly 300. This rais
Schools have closed now and the number of children at home has increased hence creating even more need for children to be more empowered and kept engaged with many more activities. This Saturday, we had 257 children who played different gam
Art is the expression of our imaginations through a visible story... either through dance, drawings, music and any other way of showing how and what you feel. ETCO Art Centre presents an opportunity to talented/skilled members of the infor
People express their feelings in many different ways, so do actors and actresses. They use their talent and skills to educate, entertain or pass relevant messages to a target group. It may be a good inspiration to others. We hope to nurture
At the Kencom Building with PS. Julius Korir, we discussed various ways in which we can sustainably develop the informal settlement communities in the country through various program activities done by ETCO. We focused on the many ways in w
Children Empowerment Program is one of the major activities we do every Saturday to no only keep the children engaged most of their weekend but also teach them life skills, identify various talents, listen to them as we discuss their challe
All our activities are run and operated from our office located 50m to the right of Cultures Road Off Jesus Winners Road In Kibera Soweto East Village, Nyayo Highrise Ward, Langata Constituency, Nairobi Kenya. WE had initially rented one ro
We use both ETCO Theatre and ETCO Acrobats during streets performance to draw people's attention and finally pass a message intended once they have pulled enough targeted crowed. From March, 2020. we used our acrobatic team to pass out COV
We receive and give out donations to the most vulnerable members of the informal settlement communities. In 2020, we served over 6,000 people with the foods and non-food items we received as away of cushioning them against the hard economi
During our Saturdays' children empowerment programs where we interact with at least 200 children a day, we realized that there were a lot of very bright but from very needy families. Most of the children were unable to go back to school due
Most of informal settlement areas are normally perceived to be so dirty. ETCO has resoluted to working towards ensuring that the informal settlement communities are kept clean and safe for all the living creatures. We therefore endeavor to