Kenya

Soweto Academy Centre

Chripinus (Chris) and Joanne Okumu

Pastor Chris founded Soweto Academy in 1988 when he saw the need for empowering and educating the youth in the Kibera slum, the largest slum in Africa. They struggled to feed the children and in 2005, a friend recommended that Feed the Hungry connect with them.

Since partnering with Feed the Hungry, Soweto Academy Centre has been able to change the lives of hundreds of thousands of Kibera Slums school children and their families.

Sowetta Academy has a primary school, for both boys and girls, and a secondary school, for girls only. The Okumu’s work hard to give the kids a chance to be educated well.

The volleyball team at the academy has become national champions in Kenya, giving the girls a chance to see their true potential.

There are also students that are in the Sumrall Scholarship program at Sowetta. These students have their school and books fees paid through Feed the Hungry, keeping them in school instead of working for money.

The Academy’s long-term goal is to empower children who will grow to empower others and the community at large.
In Kibera, Pastor Chris also started a health clinic that serves the community. Many people who would otherwise never be able to see a doctor in their life, can now receive life saving treatment in a safe environment without fear of discrimination.

Recently, a water plant was established in Kibera. The plant is an opportunity for the community to have jobs, provide clean water to the people there, and what profit is made goes back to Soweta Academy to care for the students.

One of the most impactful moments in Pastor Chris’ ministry was the challenge and perseverance that came with Covid-19. The team had to provide water, food, and care to children despite schools being closed in order to keep them away from drugs and alcohol.

The challenges with the slum change daily, at times overwhelming the ministry efforts to help and provide for their needs.
If food and God’s word was plentiful, their numbers could grow significantly and more families would be reached with the Gospel.