It was on the 12th December 2011, a Kenyan public holiday in commemoration 0f 48 years since
Kenya attained independence. This day is celebrated countrywide in pomp and color and feasting or visiting friends and relatives.
Mathare Maji Mazuri youth Group garbage project known as the green heroes opted to make a difference by holding a massive cleanup event in the sprawling Mathare valley slums. The cleanup event consisted of more than 20 groups in Mathare and its environs and partly supported by City Council of Nairobi who donated nose masks and plastic bags to put the garbage in. The over 110 participants converged at 8.30 am for registration and by 9 am the event kicked off and members of the community joined in to give a hand in making their environment safe for human habitation.
Though with limited cleaning equipments, the participants both old and young were able to do a commendable job. Mathare valley slums have for long been reputed with a polluted environment due to poor garbage disposal and bad drainage system. This has for long affected the residents causing illness and sometimes death in case of an outbreak of an epidemic. This was the drive behind the many youths who gathered and beat all odds to clear the drainage system that has become mosquito breeding hubs thus causing malaria.
The event was one of its kinds and followed a series of weekly garbage collection by the Green Heroes, which its key objective is to clean the environment for better human habitation. There was also a morale booster to the participants from PCEA community center who donated 45 T-shirts and refreshments.
Later in the day, there was entertainment which was characterized with variety shows from the youths. Children could not help showcasing their dancing skills as the music played on loudly. Information was shared and contacts exchanged symbolizing the start of a network of many groups in Mathare and its environs.
EXPECTED RESULTS
- To create awareness to the community on importance of a clean environment
- To build network and market the youths hidden potential
- Promote a platform for advocacy of human rights and youth’s capacity building and empowerment.
CHALLENGES
- There was a great turn out of people but there was limited cleaning equipment thus slowing the work.
- Lack of garbage transporting truck to the main dumping site was a major setback.
RECOMMENDATION
We would like to appeal to partners and well wishers to support such community initiatives to help develop the slums. The exercise should be carried out after every 2 months to get rid of the heaps of garbage in Mathare.
CONCLUSION
The event was an indicator that the youths are ready to change the society and they have what it takes to bring about their own development. We all need a safe environment to carry out our day to day activities. Our thanks go to PCEA Eastleigh community centre, City Council of Nairobi, all the groups that participated and the Mathare community.
BUDGET
|
NO. |
ITEM |
DESCRIPTION |
COST |
|
1. |
T-shirts |
45 pcs @ ksh 500 |
2250 |
|
2. |
Refreshments |
5 rates of soda @ ksh 600 |
3000 |
|
3 |
|
30 packs of doughnuts @ 30 |
900 |
|
4. |
Tent |
100 people capacity |
3000 |
|
5. |
Stage( podium) |
Stage( podium) |
4000 |
|
6. |
Water |
15 dozens @ 400 |
6000 |
|
7. |
Linear bags |
10 bundles @ ksh 500 |
5000 |
|
8. |
Nose masks @ |
40 pcs @ ksh 50 |
2000 |
|
9. |
Printings |
Proposals, invitation letters |
2000 |
|
10 |
Transporting truck |
Hired |
6000 |
|
|
|
TOTAL |
34150 |
