SIDAREC (Slums Information Development Resource Center) is looking to raise the remaining funds needed to complete a Youth and Children's Resource Center in Mukuru Kwa Njenga, near Niarobi, Kenya. The center will primarily be used for the advancement of education of children from the surrounding slums. Included in these final funds are costs to build the radio station and recording studio for our youth station, 99.9 Ghetto Fm. We are seeking support from both individuals and organizations, asking you to donate whatever amount is possible.

Summary
The Center will have a library, enabling 300 students daily to access books and internet connections; Affording 150 children to attend Early Childhood Education; Training 250 youth on computer skills.

What is the issue, problem, or challenge?
The project intends to address the high illiteracy rate in the slums. As most single room homes do not have power and are too small, measuring 10"x10", there is a massive lack of adequate reading facilities. This situation is not conducive for children to perform well in school and only 0.1% of the students in this situation go to college or university. The project addresses street children and lack of technology in the slums since it is expensive for the poor to afford internet connectivity.

How will this project solve this problem?
We will provide a day care center for poor children who would have been left to the streets and give their mothers access to computer training classes; Library with Computer lab; Computer training centre; Internet café; Radio station; and playing ground. This is the only project of its' kind in this slum, providing support to the poor.

Potential Long Term Impact
Over 200 children to graduate yearly to Primary school, improving the education standard in the slums and reducing the number of children in the streets. It will improve performance in schools through library and technology reducing illiteracy.

Beneficiary Message
Despite my poor background, I performed well in National exams and was able to go to a good school and get a sponsor through the good foundation I got from the SIDAREC Early Childhood Development Program and Library. - David Kimeu

Resources
http://www.sidarec.org
http://openarchitecturenetwork.org/projects/sidarec
http://one.org/international/africaaward/