GATOTO INTEGRATED DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
GIDP is a multi-dimensional Kenyan registered non-governmental organization that provides educational and social services to the children of Mukuru kwa Reuben slum, an “informal settlement” located in an industrial area of Nairobi.
By far the largest component of GIDP is Gatoto Community Primary School, though GIDP also offers food aid and medications to the poorest families, counseling and financial aid for those students continuing on to high school and university, and a hot meal every day for every student. GIDP’s 2017 budget of approximately US$ 400,000 includes US$312,000 for Gatoto School.
Founded 23 years ago by community leaders, Gatoto School now enrolls 1,092 students. The school is independent and not religiously affiliated. Its student body is roughly 50/50 boys and girls and comes from varied religious and tribal backgrounds. The school campus is near the western edge of Mukuru kwa Reuben. The 2009 National Census asserts that the slum has 76,000 residents though current estimates are higher. This population is served by one public primary school. Gatoto offers an education to students who would otherwise not receive one.
More information about GIDP can be found here.
AMERICAN FRIENDS OF GATOTO
American Friends of Gatoto was created by three friends in Washington, DC, who were inspired by Gatoto’s story, its proven staying power and management.
AFG is a 100% volunteer, not for profit 501(c)3 corporation established specifically to raise donations for Gatoto. AFG’s limited direct costs are paid directly by Board member donations. 100% of all other donations to American Friends of Gatoto are forwarded to GIDP. Receipts are sent to all donors for their tax filing purposes. Board members are in regular contact with Betty Nyagoha, the school’s head. One made a site visit in 2016 and will do so again in 2017.
In 2015, its first year of operation, AFG raised and forwarded $85,000 in donations for GIDP. In 2016, we raised $100,000 to help fund Gatoto’s operating budget; in addition, we donated $45,000 to pay the majority of the cost for the construction of a much-needed drainage trench on the school’s northern boundary. In 2017, we will raise and forward an additional $100,000 for operations. We will also begin to raise donations to fund the construction of two new classroom buildings.
HOW TO DONATE
Credit cards: visit American Friends of Gatoto and click Donate.
Checks:
Please send checks to
AMERICAN FRIENDS OF GATOTO
Address: 4320 Tuckerman Street
University Park, MD 20782-2145
For wire transfer details, please contact us.