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.