Happy New Year
On the first morning of 2024, while the city nursed its New Year’s headaches, we chose a different kind of celebration: smoke from the kitchen, songs we didn’t plan, and a queue of children who arrived like confetti.
We kicked off the children’s feeding programme for the year with full plates and full hearts. Youth drifted in to help serve. Elderly neighbours settled on plastic chairs, swapping stories while the smallest ones ate with both hands.
Someone’s grandmother prayed quietly before she ate — not performative, just grateful. A boy tried to keep his new shirt clean and failed immediately. The year began with sauce on sleeves, which feels honest.
It is a strange, sweet way to begin a calendar — not with speeches, but with spoons. We are carrying that same spirit forward: show up, feed honestly, stay kind.
If your January is full of budgets and school fees, know that many families here are doing the same maths with smaller margins. A strong start matters — for bodies, and for hope.
If you welcomed 2024 with resolutions, consider one that tastes like ugali and generosity. Support ETCO’s Saturday meals or walk beside us as a volunteer; we would love to share the work with you.
New Year’s Day is easy to photograph; the rest of the year is harder. We are choosing the harder part — showing up again next week, and the week after.
Thank you to everyone who shared the day — children, youth, elders — and to those who gave quietly so the sufuria could be full before the sun climbed high.
Day of an African Child 2026
The Day of the African Child was successfully celebrated, bringing together stakeholders from Kibra and Lang’ata Constituencies in a remarkable display of unity, collaboration, and shared commitment to the well-being of children. The event highlighted the strength and impact of collective action through the partnership and dedication of member groups of the Kibera Gender Advocacy Network (KGAN), local and international organizations, government ministries, and local administration. Their combined efforts demonstrated the importance of multi-stakeholder engagement in advancing children's rights and welfare. A notable highlight of the celebration was the participation of the Kenyan Judiciary. The event was honored by the presence of the Chief Magistrate of Kibera Law Courts, Hon. Anne Mwangi, together with her team of magistrates led by Hon. Christine Njagi. They dedicated time to engage with participants, grace the occasion, and lead by example by not only planting trees but also in promoting the protection and empowerment of children.
Preparation for the Day of an African Child
Burning the midnight oil to prepare for tomorrow event... We are happy to host our partners to this children event.
Most welcome
ETCO and Lang'ata Local Water Forum (LLWF) will be hosting other partner organizations in Lang'ata and Kibra Constituencies who'll be participating in the Day of An African Child. We welcome you to be an advocate for the children and impact positively in building a future for them and generations to come. Tell a friend to tell a friend. We'll have a procession from Kibra DC ground to Canaan Estate Community Hall where the event will take place.