“Upendo” is a Kiswahili word meaning “Love”. An education project which has been a wonderful success is the Upendo Vulnerable Care and Support Programme. The project aims to meet the needs of vulnerable children who live in Kangemi slums in Nairobi, Kenya through education, care and psychosocial support.

Since its beginning in 1995, hundreds of orphaned and vulnerable children have benefited from the Upendo programme at St Joseph the Worker Catholic Church. Currently, the programme takes care of children in nurseries, primary and secondary schools and now has students progressing to third level institutions. There is also a programme for the development of the parents or guardians with home visits and counselling.

The project contributes to SDG 4:’ensure inclusive and quality education for all and promote lifelong learning’ of the United Nations 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda.