In 2022, UNICEF reported 2.5 million school-age children aged 6-17 in Kenya did not attend school, with only 53% of Kenyan children enrolling at secondary school. In Thika and Kiambu County, several low-paying industries including flower farms and tea plantations are prevalent. Food poverty leads directly to school absenteeism. Many families simply cannot afford breakfast for their children and with no lunch provision, they often resort to scavenging for food instead of coming to school.

Porridge Clubs are a simple and effective solution running in 13 schools in and around the town of Thika, enabling over 2,500 children born into poverty to go to school every day instead of working, begging or scavenging for food. Through Watoto Kwanza, our Kenyan NGO partner, participating schools receive a basic kitchen, water and cooking utensils. The schools employ a cook and receive a supply of vitamin supplemented porridge so the children enjoy a nutritious daily porridge meal.