The population of Kenya is estimated to be well over 40 million according to the latest statistics. Just as is the case with many countries of the African continent, a good proportion of this population is believed to survive on less than a dollar per day. Many Kenyan kids are talented in many aspects but the abject poverty that they have to overcome denies them the opportunity to bring out the best in them.
Perhaps the biggest assistance that the children can get is to provide them with an education. Such a step will not only make them self-reliant but will also transform them into a huge asset for their communities. The Kenya government launched free primary education about 10 years ago but there are many children who are still outside the classroom for one reason or another. It is important that they are followed up until they complete their O levels and their university education.
Unhygienic conditions of the slums highly favour a continued high level of disease prevalence and incidence. Many children are exposed to these diseases early in life and are thus at risk of suffering mental and physical disability even as they grow older. There should be proper strategies in place to ensure that primary prevention of these diseases is done.
Millions of Kenyan children have been affected by HIV/AIDS in one way or another. There are many kids that have been born of infected mothers and are currently living with the virus. They require lifetime treatment. This treatment should comprise medical as well as psychological support. Many other children have been left behind as orphans after their parents succumbed to the illness. These can be helped through adoption or children homes.
Sport talent in Kenya is huge. Kenya is known worldwide for great performances in athletics and rugby. Football is also a big thing in this country. Interestingly some of the best athletes in these sports grew up in the slums. Tapping the talents early enough among the children will ensure that they do not go to waste. This will also be a good way of ensuring that the children secure careers for their future.
Talents are evident in the performing arts as well. There are many kids that are good at acting and a few of them have been lucky to be contracted by local entertainment companies. Many others are gifted in music and dance. If the right environment is created, all these will nurtured for the good of the community and the country at large.
One of the biggest challenges in the slums is drugs abuse. The ease of availability of the drugs makes it very accessible for almost anyone. Many children find themselves addicted to the drugs in a bid to find some comfort. As a consequence, the rates of crime are fairly high. Rehabilitation centres need to be put up so as to help this special group.
The kind of challenges that have been mentioned here are by no means unique to Kenyan kids. On the contrary, they are what is expected of any third world country. Although the numbers are in the millions, all that is needed is to make a difference in the life of one kid. This is a challenge to the Kenyan citizens and well-wishers from other countries.
Perhaps the biggest assistance that the children can get is to provide them with an education. Such a step will not only make them self-reliant but will also transform them into a huge asset for their communities. The Kenya government launched free primary education about 10 years ago but there are many children who are still outside the classroom for one reason or another. It is important that they are followed up until they complete their O levels and their university education.
Unhygienic conditions of the slums highly favour a continued high level of disease prevalence and incidence. Many children are exposed to these diseases early in life and are thus at risk of suffering mental and physical disability even as they grow older. There should be proper strategies in place to ensure that primary prevention of these diseases is done.
Millions of Kenyan children have been affected by HIV/AIDS in one way or another. There are many kids that have been born of infected mothers and are currently living with the virus. They require lifetime treatment. This treatment should comprise medical as well as psychological support. Many other children have been left behind as orphans after their parents succumbed to the illness. These can be helped through adoption or children homes.
Sport talent in Kenya is huge. Kenya is known worldwide for great performances in athletics and rugby. Football is also a big thing in this country. Interestingly some of the best athletes in these sports grew up in the slums. Tapping the talents early enough among the children will ensure that they do not go to waste. This will also be a good way of ensuring that the children secure careers for their future.
Talents are evident in the performing arts as well. There are many kids that are good at acting and a few of them have been lucky to be contracted by local entertainment companies. Many others are gifted in music and dance. If the right environment is created, all these will nurtured for the good of the community and the country at large.
One of the biggest challenges in the slums is drugs abuse. The ease of availability of the drugs makes it very accessible for almost anyone. Many children find themselves addicted to the drugs in a bid to find some comfort. As a consequence, the rates of crime are fairly high. Rehabilitation centres need to be put up so as to help this special group.
The kind of challenges that have been mentioned here are by no means unique to Kenyan kids. On the contrary, they are what is expected of any third world country. Although the numbers are in the millions, all that is needed is to make a difference in the life of one kid. This is a challenge to the Kenyan citizens and well-wishers from other countries.
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