Education

China gives over Sh370 million in flood relief for Mathare school children

Chinese Minister Counselor Zhang Zhizhong holds a dummy Sh5 million cheque, alongside Ministry of Education Projects Coordination and Delivery director Elijah Mungai and Mcedo Beijing School Director Benedict Kiage,at the Chinese Embassy in Nairobi on May 31, 2024. (Photo: Barack Oduor/EV)

By Barack Oduor | Saturday, June 1, 2024

The donation comprises 2,040 metric tonnes of rice valued at over Sh360 million and Sh13 million in cash.

China has aided children from the Mathare slum in Nairobi, whose learning was greatly affected by heavy rains and flooding, giving more than Sh370 million to their benefit.

Zhang Zhizhong, the Deputy Chief of Mission at the Chinese Embassy in Nairobi, announced the donations on Friday at a handing-over ceremony that students of the Mcedo Beijing School in Mathare, which China fully supports, attended.

Keep reading

The donation comprises 2,040 metric tonnes of rice valued at over Sh360 million and Sh13 million in cash. It has been termed a show of China's commitment to standing with Kenya in times of difficulty.

"The story of Mcedo Beijing School is perfectly in line with the principle of building a community of shared futures," Zhang said. "Building a community with a shared future means sharing joys and sorrows. It means solidarity and collaboration in building a better future."

Chinese envoy Zhang Zhizhong addresses a ceremony at the Chinese embassy in Nairobi on May 31, 2024, while giving over Sh370 million in flood relief for the benefit of schoolchildren in Mathare. (Photo: Barack Oduor/EV)

The envoy said the China Red Cross provided 100,000 US dollars (about Sh13 million) in cash for humanitarian emergency assistance and that the rice shipment was expected to arrive in the country in mid-June.

"Two ships carrying 2,040 tonnes of rice worth 20 million RMB, granted by the Chinese government, are en route to the port of Mombasa and are scheduled to arrive in June," he stated. "We hope the food will contribute to the restoration from floods."

The school is one demonstration of China's increasing influence in Africa. It also received Sh5 million to address the effects of floods that destroyed school infrastructure.

The money will be used for renovations and the supply of desks, chairs, and books, with every student getting a new backpack. In addition, at least 39 learners at the school are set to receive scholarships funded by China.

"I grew up in a poor family, and with the help of others, I became a diplomat. There is hope for everybody," he said.

Mathare, like other informal settlements in Nairobi, was badly hit by floods that resulted in deaths, property destruction, and displacement.

Chinese envoy Zhang Zhizhong, Ministry of Education Delivery Director Elijah Mungai, Mcedo Beijing School Director Benedict Kiage, and other officials pose for a picture with students during a ceremony at the Chinese embassy in Nairobi on May 31, 2024. (Photo: Barack Oduor/EV)

Kenya's deputy director for Asia and Pacific Affairs, Jane Makori, welcomed the donations, saying they would significantly help affected families.

"We appreciate it and know the children will appreciate it. It is the real way to support our partnership. As a state department, we will continue working with the embassy to ensure the school remains supported," Makori said.

Benedict Kiage, the school's headmaster, said they were grateful for the support and lauded the country for its continued support, saying it had contributed immensely to rehabilitation efforts, including a solar power system.

Founded in 2007, Mcedo, an acronym for 'Mathare community education development organisation', provided adult education but transitioned into offering primary education in the same year.

"Mcedo was founded by a group of community members, including two teachers. We started by offering the tuition of adults," Chege told The Eastleigh Voice, adding that five years later, the school began offering secondary education.