Today, ETCO, in collaboration with the Kibera Gender Advocacy Network (KGAN) partners, hosted a vibrant International Women's Day celebration at Canaan Estate Community Hall. The event brought together over 410 participants, highlighting the importance of gender equality, women's empowerment, and community solidarity. The day began with a powerful procession from AMREF in Laini Saba - Kibra to Canaan Estate, symbolizing unity and the ongoing fight for women's rights.
Early Lunch at ETCO
Diving deeper into the year with our children feeding program, yesterday's session at ETCO was filled with warmth, laughter, and nourishment. With the dedicated efforts of our team and the new interns, we ensured that over 350 children, along with elderly and youth members of the community, received a well-prepared meal. The presence of the interns brought fresh energy and enthusiasm, giving us hope for expanded children’s activities and engagement. As we continue to grow, we remain committed to ensuring that no child in our community goes hungry, and that every Saturday is a moment of joy and connection.
Sports: Final Whistles Tournament - Day 1
Yesterday, ETCO and partners proudly hosted the Final Whistle tournament under the theme Sports for Sobriety, under the Sports Department headed by Andrew Ayuma AKA: Mnyakuzi. This event, scheduled from January 19th to February 23rd, 2025, is ongoing and aims to promote healthy lifestyles and positive choices among male youth through the power of sports. The tournament will bring together 14 teams to compete every Sunday at the Undugu Ground, creating an engaging and supportive environment for participants to channel their energy and talents constructively. By using football as a platform, ETCO seeks to address societal challenges such as substance abuse while fostering teamwork, discipline, and community engagement.
2nd children feeding program for 2025
We successfully conducted our second children’s feeding program of the year. It held great significance as it marked the first feeding initiative after schools reopened following a long two-month holiday break. During this period, many children in our community faced increased challenges in accessing regular, nutritious meals due to the lack of school-provided meals. The program served as a vital lifeline, ensuring that at least 350 children, 100 elderly individuals, and 50 youths received wholesome food to start the new academic year on a positive note.
Happy New Year 2025 to you all
The beginning of 2025 feels like a renewed hope for a more productive and positive year. At ETCO, we are excited to continue making an impact through our children feeding program, which has become a cornerstone of our efforts to empower communities in informal settlements. This program has touched the lives of many children, providing not only meals but also a sense of care and belonging.
Christmas 🌲 Day Blessings
Yesterday was a remarkable day for ETCO as we came together to celebrate the spirit of Christmas with our community members in the informal settlements. Sharing a meal on such special occasions not only fills bellies but also warms hearts, creating moments of unity and joy. We are deeply grateful to everyone who contributed to making the day a success, from our dedicated team to our generous partners and donors. Your support allows us to extend love and care to the children, youth, and elderly we serve, reminding us all of the power of community and compassion.
Another day for Fish - Ugali after Clean Up.
Yesterday marked a significant milestone in the partnership between ETCO and Victory Farms Kenya, with strong community collaboration at the heart of our success. The day began with an environmental care initiative, where we organized a community cleanup while food preparation was underway. Victory Farms generously donated food items, primarily fish, which were shared as a token of appreciation for cleanup participants and used in our children feeding program. Over 860 children enjoyed hearty meals of fish and ugali, adding a joyful highlight to the day.
Another day for Environmental Champions
We welcome everyone interested in caring for the environment through a clean up. Our partnership with Victory Farms expands beyond just children feeding. We try our best to ensure that even our environment is well taken care of.
16 Days of Activism against GBV Launch
Gender-Based Violence (GBV) remains a significant challenge, particularly for women and children who are often the most vulnerable to abuse in homes and communities. Recognizing the urgent need to address this issue, ETCO, as part of the Kibera Gender Advocacy Network (KGAN), actively participates in initiatives that promote safety and justice. Recently, ETCO joined the 16 Days of Activism against GBV walk and launch event in Kibera, which concluded at the Guadalupe Catholic Church in Adams. This year’s theme, *Let’s Come Together and Act Now*, served as a powerful call to action for individuals, communities, and organizations to collaborate in creating a safer environment for women and children, free from violence and fear.
World Toilets Day
On November 19, 2024, the Ngong River Regeneration Network concluded a two-day event designed to assess and promote sanitation and river restoration in Ngong River's upstreams. The event, which began with a walk & talk on November 18 to evaluate the status of local sanitation facilities, culminated in a gathering of key stakeholders. Among the notable attendees were Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Water, Sanitation, and Irrigation, Eng. Eric Murithi Mugaa, and the Nairobi Rivers Commission team, led by its new chairperson, Hon. Bishop Margaret Wanjiru. Their presence, alongside representatives from the County Government, underscored the event’s significance. Various institutions showcased their innovative solutions and long-term strategies at exhibition tables, providing a platform for sharing ideas and fostering collaboration.
Site Visit
Today, we conducted a site visit with Commissioners from the Nairobi Rivers Commission (NRC) to evaluate suitable locations for the upcoming event on November 18-19, 2024. After visiting all the proposed sites, we found that the ground in Highrise, near block H8 and Seefar Apartments, was the most ideal for the event. Further planning and logistical preparations are underway.
Kibera World Toilets Day - Planning Meeting
Today's meeting at the NRC was lengthy but productive. We covered extensive plans for World Toilets Day on November 19, 2024. In attendance were the reappointed commissioners, Eva Muhia and Grace Sennie, along with the newly appointed Commissioner, Hon. Lelei 'Gen Z', and various coordinators from Nairobi’s rivers. We also had the privilege of meeting Hon. Bishop Margaret Wanjiru, the new NRC Chairperson, along with other newly appointed commissioners. Brigadier Joseph Muracia, the NRC CEO, took a moment to greet us as we proceeded with our two-day event planning. Guided by Dr. Esther Kimani from the Chairperson's Secretariat from the City County Government, we discussed the events planned for November 18-19, 2024, in detail. The event shall happen in Kibera at Undugu Grounds. Theme: "Toilet: A Place for Peace"
Victory Farms Kenya Supports ETCO.
Yesterday, with support from Victory Farms Kenya, ETCO hosted its largest gathering, engaging over 920 children, 230 elderly, and 125 youth participants. With schools closed, children spend most of their time at home than in school, which significantly increases household food costs. To address this challenge, ETCO reached out to Victory Farms Kenya (Led by Madam Sharon and Christobel) who generously donated a variety of items, including large-sized fish, maize flour, wheat flour, rice, cooking oil, vegetables, sanitary pads, sodas and breads, which allowed ETCO to provide much-needed relief to the community. In addition, Victory Farms covered most of the logistics for the feeding program, lifting a considerable burden from ETCO.