Feature: Chinese entrepreneurs support education for poor Kenyan children

While growing up in the expansive Kibera slums in Nairobi, Mmaitsi Ryan developed a resilience and fortitude that defied his tender age thanks to exposure to life's drudgeries.

The 19-year-old form four student at Raila Educational Centre, a private school located at the heart of Kibera slums, was exposed to poverty at an early age, but made a vow to study hard and secure gainful employment in future.

The education centre is among the Kenyan schools that have benefited from financial support from Chinese entrepreneurs to provide free tuition for disadvantaged children.

Speaking to Xinhua on Tuesday during a ceremony to donate libraries for 23 African schools by Chinese entrepreneurs, Ryan was upbeat that his academic performance will improve thanks to availability of textbooks.

"We thank the Chinese people for supporting our school given that most of us come from poor backgrounds and cannot afford to buy expensive textbooks," Ryan told Xinhua.

The aspiring surgeon has an ambitious mission to transform his neighborhood that is synonymous with poverty, crime and environmental pollution.

Kenyan poor children have been able to access quality education thanks to benevolence from Chinese entrepreneurs.

Currently, more than ten Kenyan Schools have benefited from financial support channeled through China-Africa Project Hope founded by World Eminence Chinese Business Association (WECBA) in 2010 to promote education for disadvantaged African children.

On Tuesday, 19 Chinese entrepreneurs donated modern libraries to 23 schools sponsored by China Africa Project Hope in five African countries.

Kenyan dignitaries including the east African nation's former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and former Vice President, Kalonzo Musyoka attended the donation ceremony in Nairobi.

In his opening remarks, Musyoka hailed Sino-Kenya friendship that has unleashed immense benefits for ordinary citizens.

"Our people to people friendship with China has stood the test of time and has brought many benefits. Chinese entrepreneurs have supported worthy causes in the country with no strings attached," Musyoka remarked.

Financial support from Chinese entrepreneurs has provided a new lease of life to poor Kenyan children who lacked access to quality education.

According to Joan Amugune, the Deputy Principal of Raila Educational Centre, generous contribution from Chinese entrepreneurs has inspired slum children to pursue formal education.

"The donation of books from Chinese business executives is not only timely but has also lifted the morale of our students. We have bright students determined to make a difference in the society," Amugune said.

China Africa Project Hope plans to build 1,000 primary schools across Sub-Saharan Africa to promote education for poor children.

The Chairman of China-Africa Hope Project Lu Junqing said Chinese entrepreneurs will commit resources to advance the welfare of disadvantaged African children.

"Our goal is to help African children go back to school and there are no strings attached in our financial support for their education. Chinese entrepreneurs have taken up social responsibilities to advance Sino-African friendship," said Lu.

He added that China-Africa Project Hope has won accolades globally for making a huge difference in the lives of under-privileged children.

Chinese philanthropists have left an indelible mark in the lives of poor Kenyan children who previously lacked hope and self esteem.

Brenda Liaka, a 17-year-old student at Mama Malia Secondary school hailed Chinese donors for enabling her to pursue education without any hitch.

Liaka is among the hundreds of girls from poor families enrolled at Mama Malia High School whose construction was financed through China Africa Project Hope.

Located at the heart of the arid Kitui County in lower eastern parts of Kenya, the ultra modern Mama Malia Secondary School has provided a respite to poor children yearning for education.

Liaka and her peers said donation of a modern library by Chinese entrepreneurs has motivated them to study harder.

"We have new books that have motivated us to extend study hours. Thanks to Chinese donors, majority of students are now able to study at a heavily subsidized cost," said Liaka.

She aspires to become a lawyer and promote the welfare of children from poor backgrounds. Enditem