Feature: Kenyan slum children embrace formal education to escape deprivation

Ephas Maina was in an ecstatic mood as he moderated a debating contest pitting his classmates against those from a neighboring school at an open field in Nairobi's Korogocho slums on Thursday afternoon.

The 13 year old Class Seven pupil at a private school funded by charitable organizations in Korogocho slums displayed unusual calm and intellectual vigor as he moderated discussions on contemporary issues.

Despite his lean figure, Maina earned the respect of his peers due to his sharp wit, cool temperament and the ability to multi-task.

When the debating contest was over, Maina's classmates cheered wildly after being declared winners of a tough intellectual duel with their counterparts in the nearby school.

During an interview with Xinhua as Kenya marked the Day of the African Child on Thursday, Maina revealed his passion for education despite the abject poverty and other social ills that blight his neighborhood.

The only son of a single mother was born in Korogocho slums and was exposed to drudgeries of life at a tender age but has nevertheless refused to give up on his childhood dream of becoming an accomplished doctor.

"I made a promise to myself and my own mother that come what may, I will one day become a Doctor and help needy children who struggle with all manner of illnesses," said Maina.

The bubbly adolescent told Xinhua he has put immense efforts in mathematics and sciences as he prepare for a future career in medicine.

"My teachers have encouraged me to devote extra energy in mathematics, languages and sciences in order to secure a slot in medical school once I complete high school," said Maina.

He lives with his mother and several cousins in a rented one bedroom shack located at the heart of Korogocho slums.

Maina has always sympathized with his mother whose monthly wages as a cleaner are too meager to afford luxury items for her son and immediate relations.

The youngster has vowed to study hard and rescue his mother and other relatives from financial hardships once he secures a thriving career in medicine.

"I have always appreciated the great sacrifice my mother has made to ensure I obtain a good education that would guarantee me a bright future. This sacrifice will not be in vain and I intend to repay it tenfold," Maina said.

He is among millions of Kenyan slum children whose passion for education has not diminished despite the vagaries of life that hangs over their shoulders every waking dawn.

As Kenya marked the Day of the African Child on Thursday, Maina and his peers in Korogocho slums emphasized that the social ills that are synonymous with their neighborhood have not diminished their optimism, resilience and hope.

His 14 year old best friend and classmate, Amos Ngala had a sunny view of the journey ahead and was emphatic that a good education coupled with discipline and ambition would guarantee him a prosperous future.

"Many people have little expectations on children who live in the slums but I have not allowed stereotypes to define my life's path. Am determined to score good grades and join a national high school," said Ngala.

The second born in a family of four credits his parents and teachers for encouraging him to pursue education with unrelenting passion since it is the only escape route from a life of deprivation.

Ngala too lives with his parents and siblings in a one bedroom shack located on the edge of Korogocho slums.

The aspiring lawyer has devoted more attention to languages and humanities in order to realize his childhood career dream.

"As a lawyer, I believe I will be well placed to champion the rights of the poor especially children," Ngala told Xinhua.

The day of the African children that is celebrated annually on June 16 resonated with Kenyan minors from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Its significance to Kenyan slum children is more profound given the suffering they endure due to material deprivation, physical and emotional abuse.

During an event to mark the day of the African child in Nairobi, Kenyan Cabinet Secretary for Labor and Social Services, Phyllis Kandie said the government has put in place sound legal and policy framework to advance the welfare of all children.

"Kenya's constitution and vision 2030 blueprint oblige us to promote the welfare of children through provision of basic services like education, health and shelter," Kandie remarked. Enditem