Show of Love as Foreigners Affected by Ukraine War Send Ksh5 Million to Kenya

Slovakian President Zuzana Čaputová (left) with his Ukraine counterpart Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Slovakian President Zuzana Čaputová (left) with his Ukraine counterpart Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
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Slovakian nationals have shown their love to Kenya after they contributed Ksh5 million to a troubled school in Kakuma despite being immensely affected by the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.

In March 2022, the SAVIO, a company in Slovakia, launched a fundraiser for funds to build secure homes for teachers operating at Kakuma Refugee Camp, as per Mission Newswire.

So far, the campaign, which is slated to run till October 2022, has raised Ksh5.3 million (42,081 euros) for the noble cause.

The project was started after the Salesians discovered that refugees in Kenya had been suffering due to a lack of security that kept teachers out of Kakuma-based schools.

An aerial photo of Kakuma Refugee Camp.
An aerial photo of Kakuma Refugee Camp.
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"SAVIO is working together with Salesians in Kenya to support their efforts among the local population and refugees living in the camp. The local Salesian school offers high-quality education, but there is a growing teacher shortage.

"Many teachers are afraid to move to this remote region. The goal is to build accommodations that will offer teachers a safe environment so they can focus on teaching young students," read the statement in part.

The campaign is also expected to educate other individuals worldwide on the importance of empowering individuals from the poorest neighbourhoods across the globe.

Speaking to the press, Father Gus Baek, the Director of Salesian Missions which is operating in Kakuma, noted that the campaign had been useful for the youth in the camp.

“Over the past few years, Salesian technical programs in Kakuma have successfully trained thousands of youth in viable trades to earn a living and care for their families.

“For this education to continue, Salesians need qualified teachers. This campaign will ensure that prospective teachers feel safe enough to consider teaching at Kakuma," stated Baek.

The donations come even as Slovakia continues to support refugees who fled the Ukraine war, now exceeding 400,000 since the battle broke out on February 24.

In total, over five million individuals had fled the war and sought refuge in the neighbouring countries among them Slovakia.

Students study under trees in Kakuma
Students study under trees in Kakuma.
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