Climate disasters are becoming increasingly severe,
and even schools, where children’s dreams grow, are left vulnerable.
Last year, Mathare North Primary School in Nairobi, Kenya,
suffered extensive damage due to severe flooding.
When torrential rains caused a nearby river to overflow, the school grounds
were submerged under water as high as an adult’s chest.

Educational equipment, including desks, chairs, and even textbooks
traditionally kept at the school and handed down over the years,
were completely ruined. The ceiling and walls show severe wear,
with peeling paint and heavy stains resembling layers of filth.

The school promptly began recovery efforts with government assistance.
However, the extent of the damage was severe, and the funding provided
was far from sufficient. Teachers and staff had no choice but to dry out water-
damaged teaching materials and carry out temporary repairs to resume classes.
Repainting was not even a consideration, and as a result,
students have continued their lessons in unhygienic classroom conditions.

Upon hearing of the school’s unfortunate situation, WeLoveU coordinated
with the member of parliament overseeing the region and agreed
to implement an educational environment improvement project.
The initiative includes painting interior and exterior school walls,
replacing roofing materials, and providing educational supplies.

Regaining Vitality Through Loving Care

Repainting School Walls

30 Rooms (Classrooms and Teachers’ Rooms)

December 4–21, 2024 and February 9, 2025

Before and After: Painting Transformation

Roof Panel Replacement

3 School Buildings

February 26–27, 2025

Educational Material Support

980 Textbooks

10 New Triple Desks

February 9 and March 12, 2025

On March 12, a completion ceremony for the Mathare North Primary School
Educational Environment Improvement Project was held on campus.
The principal, teachers, and students attended the event
and expressed their gratitude for WeLoveU’s support.

How Did the School Change?

Textbooks

  • Helped students with reviewing lessons and completing homework
  • Supported teachers’ lesson planning
  • Boosted academic performance and motivation

Roof Repairs

  • Enabled classes to continue even on rainy days
  • Strengthened students’ sense of belonging to the school
  • Provided a safer and cleaner learning environment by eliminating leaks and slippery floors

Painting

  • Created a bright, welcoming atmosphere
  • Improved attendance and reduced absenteeism
  • Cultivated students’ sense of responsibility for cleanliness

Additional Reflections

  • “The school feels safer now.”
  • “I feel more motivated to study—new desks, new books, clean classrooms!”
  • “The school looks more beautiful, and the community’s perception has improved.”

Boniface Berina Matindi, Principal of Mathare North Primary School

“I sincerely thank Chairwoman Zahng Gil-jah of WeLoveU for helping us improve our school environment. The painting and roof repairs have made our school beautiful, and I feel truly happy. We are especially grateful for the new textbooks provided to our fourth-grade students. Last year’s flood left us without any usable books, so this support means more to us than words can express.”

Boniface Berina Matindi, Principal of Mathare North Primary School

Jacinta Njoji Kabebe, Deputy Headteacher of Mathare North Primary School

“I would like to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt gratitude to Chairwoman Zahng Gil-jah. Before this support arrived, teaching was extremely difficult due to the severe shortage of textbooks; some classes couldn’t even continue. Thanks to WeLoveU, every student now has their own materials, and we expect significant improvements in academic performance. The teachers are thrilled to finally have the resources they need. We’re also deeply grateful for the painting; the classrooms are now so bright and inviting. Previously, when it rained, students often arrived late, and books would get soaked due to leaking roofs. Thanks to the roof repairs, those challenges are now behind us. Thank you, WeLoveU, for transforming nearly every part of our school. We truly love and appreciate you.”

Jacinta Njoji Kabebe, Deputy Headteacher of Mathare North Primary School

Naomi Owee, Curriculum Support Officer of the Teachers Service Commission (TSC)

“Thank you for the warmth and care extended to this remote community. We are sincerely grateful for the support with textbooks and the improvements to our school buildings. I hope this spirit of sharing continues to grow throughout the region. May heaven’s blessings be upon all who serve humanity with such compassion. Thank you.”

Naomi Owee, Curriculum Support Officer of the Teachers Service Commission (TSC)

Education should never be a casualty of disaster.
WeLoveU remains committed to restoring and enriching learning environments,
ensuring that no matter the circumstances, children’s dreams continue to grow.