Kenya in the News!

Drought and famine has absolutely devastated the northeastern districts of Kajiado and Tran Mara in particular. There is an estimated 2.5-3.0 million people on relief emergency, which is minimal support at best. This has been complicated further as forms of mad-cow and livestock diseases have surfaces. Animals had to be slaughter and many are dying of lack of food and water supplies.

A secondary concern relates directly to children in that children will be removed from school and forced into child labor in order to survive and provide for the family. The drop-out rate for students in Year 10 (Form 1) is high, but may reach up to 75% of qualified students, if the drought continues.

A recent headline in the paper “Another 46 Die in Famine-Stricken Districts.” This has lead to thought provoking discussions with our children, particularly Jordan. The Aga Khan Academy in both Junior and Senior School are planning a joint effort to raise awareness and funds for those in need. Interesting enough, senior students are a bit more skeptical about providing funds to unreliable agencies due to the level of corruption. Efforts are being made to support the Red Cross with their endeavors.