January 19's activities included a trip to Kibera, the largest slum in the Nairobi area. At least 500 000 people live in this 2.5 square km area!! It is not surprising that the sights and smells would reflect extremely poor living conditions.
Yet, there is hope brought to these inhabitants by way of Shofco (Shining Hope for Communities), a group founded by one of their very own residents, Kennedy Odede in 2009. George and Ahmed guided us through the area and showed us a few of the successful programs that are run by Shofco including the installation of an overhead system to distribute safe, clean water for all in Kibera. It is actually the only system of its kind in the world, developed by their people for their people! The patent is pending!! Other projects included computer training classes, public libraries and a skill training center. It was absolutely inspirational!
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