Lindi Friends School

For many years Lindi Friends School has been a refuge of hope and joy for the children of Kibera, a large urban slum in Nairobi. The school was established in 2005 by Friends in Nairobi, who were called to serve the impoverished families living in Kibera. Today, Lindi Friends School has nearly 340 students in its nursery and primary programs. Many of our graduates pass the national exams, which qualifies them to go on to secondary school.

Friends were shocked to learn of the traumatic fire on the evening of Sunday, 24 July, 2022, that destroyed the school building, leaving only several temporary structures. While an emergency plan was put in place to ensure that educational activities continued, these were only temporary measures, and a permanent solution is now being considered. In the interim, our students are meeting in the temporary structures and the shell of the burnt-out building, which is now covered with a tarpaulin.

In 2023, FUM will partner with Nairobi Yearly Meeting to rebuild the school and replace old structures with permanent ones. While the rebuilding will occur in phases, we anticipate the construction to cost $211,000. The new building will be on three floors, featuring classrooms, a library, staff rooms and offices, a kitchen, and a multipurpose hall. The new building will provide a safe environment for learning and continue our vital ministry to the families and children of Kibera.

FUM is grateful to be awarded a grant for £20,000 (British pounds, approximately $24,000 US dollars) from the Robert & Kezia Stanley Chapman Trust, a trust under the care of Friends from Ireland. Friends United Meeting is now receiving donations from other Friends who want to support this rebuilding effort. In addition, we welcome your prayers:

• Pray for the teachers and administrators guiding the school during these trying times.
• Pray for our students as they continue to learn in a harsh educational environment.
• Pray for the families of our students who live under challenging and vulnerable circumstances.
• Pray for the school board and the leaders of Nairobi Yearly Meeting, who are working hard to continue the school’s mission and prepare for the future.
• Pray for the fundraising efforts, construction workers, building suppliers, and everyone involved in building the new school.
• Pray that the Lindi Friends School will continue to be a refuge and beacon of hope in the Kibera community.

Should you wish to contribute to the rebuilding of the Lindi School, checks can be made to Friends United Meeting, memo Lindi Building Project, and mailed to 101 Quaker Hill Drive, Richmond IN 47374. Donate online at https://www.friendsunitedmeeting.org/global-ministries/lindi-friends-school.