The Augustinian school that is making headway alongside the most disadvantaged in the slum of Nyamasaria, Kenya

The Augustinians in the World Foundation believes that quality education is the driving force behind the transformation of society. That is why, in Kenya, the Order of Saint Augustine is building a model school that guarantees the education of the most disadvantaged children in Kisumu, Kenya.

In the midst of an informal settlement—more commonly known in popular jargon as slums—this school rises within a context of extreme vulnerability.

Maurizio Misitano and Simona Cipriani, coordinators of the Foundation, have witnessed it firsthand during their most recent visit to the project: the deterioration of social coexistence in Nyamasaria is growing. With high levels of crime, early marriages and pregnancies, and numerous cases of infections such as HIV/AIDS, the reality in this region of the country is increasingly dire.

These facts stand in contrast with the sustained growth that the country has experienced in economic, educational, and human development over the past two decades. Growth is not reaching all regions of the country at the same pace, which means that the necessary investment is not being made in a nation whose population increases by millions each year. In the last five years alone, there have been over six million new births. It is expected that by 2030 the population will surpass 65 million people and continue to rise among the countries with the highest population density on the African continent.

“School overcrowding is alarming”

In its latest report following the visit to assess the project’s progress, the Foundation has found that these children from the Nyamasaria slum in Kisumu live in conditions of extreme precariousness, forcing them to work in order to sustain their fragile family ecosystems. For 36% of the population, additional school costs—such as uniforms, meals, or essential school materials—are an insurmountable barrier.

“In public schools, overcrowding is alarming,” says Maurizio. According to information provided by the Foundation, the current average is 51 students per class, with peaks reaching 80. This means the teacher–student ratio stands at 1:60. “Many families choose low-quality informal schools out of desperation.” Only 1 in every 6 children in the area manages to complete primary education.

The last and the most excluded: children with disabilities in Kenya

The situation worsens with the marginalization of children who have some form of disability. More than 40% of them, notes the Foundation, have never been enrolled in school. “They often remain at home in difficult conditions, without receiving adequate support, and most teachers lack the training to address their needs,” the statement adds.

The project: Development Without Barries

The overall goal is to contribute to reducing social inequalities in Kisumu by completing the construction of the next phase of the school project so that it becomes a true center of inclusion and educational quality. This new Augustinian educational center provides access to quality education for the youngest children of Nyamasaria, while actively promoting the schooling of girls.The school, in turn, has been designed to welcome and integrate children with disabilities, who will make up at least 10% of the student body. “This,” the Foundation assures, “includes adequate spaces and equipment, as well as a specific educational program for their full social reintegration, staff training to ensure effective methodologies, and measures to reduce classroom overcrowding in order to improve the quality of education for everyone.”

Furthermore, the school will be the first in the area to offer training in techniques that promote sustainable development.

The Augustinians in the World Foundation urgently needs the support of the community. “Every donation we receive helps us build an educational environment that combats school dropout and child exploitation at its roots. Help us ensure that in Kenya, no child—especially one with a disability or living in poverty—is left behind.”