The compound fills earlier every week. Schools opened their doors on Monday, yet by Saturday the ETCO office feels like a second playground — sneakers everywhere, someone’s homework sheet folded into a back pocket, the smell of soap and sweat and stew all mixed together.
We stopped guessing why the numbers keep rising. Maybe some families have not sent children “upcountry” for school yet; maybe holiday energy lingers; maybe word simply spreads along the alleys — “kesho kwa ETCO kuna chakula.” Whatever the reason, we keep ladling. A child who chooses our doorstep on a free morning is a child asking to be seen.
Soon we launch an art programme focused on African cultural dance and music — another reason to gather that does not depend on hunger alone. Weekdays belong to teachers; weekends belong to us, to rhythm, colour, and the slow work of keeping young hands busy with something hopeful.
Walk with us as we stretch from plates to practice rooms — your support buys both.
