GATOTO INTEGRATED DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
GIDP is a multi-faceted, 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 in Nairobi.
By far the largest component of GIDP is Gatoto Community Primary School, though GIDP separately, also offers HIV/AIDS counseling as well as food aid and medications to the poorest families. GIDP’s 2017 budget of approximately US$ 400,000 includes a little more than $300,000 for Gatoto School.
Founded 24 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. Because other educational options are painfully few, 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 (AFG) is a 100% volunteer, 501(c)3 non-profit established specifically to raise donations for Gatoto. AFG’s limited direct costs are paid by restricted board member donations. One hundred percent of all other donations are forwarded to Gatoto.
By October 2019, AFG had raised $1,040,000 to support Gatoto.
AFG has an ongoing record of growing support for Gatoto. It continues to provide $100,000 per year for operation, and $30,000 per year to fund the school’s morning porridge and hot lunch, which are often the only meals Gatoto’s children receive in a day. With other AFG funding:
- renovated a dysfunctional toilet facility and created 24 toilets and
- two shower stalls for girls.
- quickly provided emergency flood relief.
- constructed much-needed new drainage capacity on the campus grounds.
- supported scholarships to Gatoto alums for secondary school and university.
AFG contributions to Gatoto by year:
In 2015, its first year of operation, AFG donated $85,000 to Gatoto.
In 2016, $145,000.
In 2017, $165,0000.
In 2018, $190,000.
In 2019, $195,000.
In addition, during 2019, AFG has quietly accumulated donations for a new classroom building project. That capital reserve now exceeds $240,000.
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.