Schoolchildren for Children is also supporting a homework club run by St Jerome’s Church in the Kibera slum, Nairobi. Students aged between 11 and 14 come together to study from 6-8pm, five days a week. Schoolchildren for Children’s grant will cover the cost of text books for primary and secondary school students, desks, book shelves and fuel for the lighting generator.

The club provides a guided study programme and recreational games for its members. It also runs camps to inform the students of the problems of substance abuse and HIV/AIDS. It is staffed by volunteers, many of whom are trained teachers, and maintains close contact with a parents’ committee.

Students on the programme have already shown significant academic and behavioural improvement. Many of Kibera’s children live in single room structures with no study space. The programme provides them with a secure environment in which to study.

High demand for places means that there are plans to expand the programme. Additional books are needed for the library and St Jerome’s is also intending to set up a recreation centre that will be open to the whole community. Outside Kibera, the programme aims to establish links with companies and institutions to provide holiday-work opportunities for its students.