The Joseph Centre

Creating Hope at Mwakirunge

The Joseph Centre is a dedicated support centre for children living on or near the Mwakirunge garbage dump in Kenya. Many of these children face extreme poverty, neglect, and a lack of access to even the most basic needs. The Centre provides a vital lifeline — offering care, education, safety, and the opportunity for a better future.

Our Mission

The Joseph Centre exists to give vulnerable children from the Mwakirunge community the chance to grow, learn, and thrive. We currently support over 80 children, with 40 of them attending school through our assistance. We provide school fees, uniforms, books, and stationery — removing the barriers that often prevent children from accessing education.

Holistic Child Development

Children who come to the centre are often fearful, withdrawn, and unfamiliar with play or structured learning. Through compassionate support and tailored programs, we’ve seen significant improvements in their confidence, self-esteem, communication skills, and ability to build trust.

Our Programmes Include:

Early Childhood Development (Ages 2–3)

Young children participate in structured play activities that promote social, cognitive, and communication development in a safe and nurturing environment.

Literacy and Numeracy Classes

From the age of 3, children begin foundational literacy and numeracy skills including pencil control, reading, writing, and basic mathematics. Two trained teachers oversee these sessions. For older children who have never been to school, our classes offer a second chance at learning and open doors to future vocational opportunities.

Health and Nutrition Support

The centre provides nutritious meals and teaches daily hygiene practices. Minor injuries sustained on the dump site are treated on-site, while more serious medical issues are referred to registered clinics or hospitals — with the centre covering much of the associated costs and transportation.

Recreational and Emotional Support

Safe and structured recreational activities allow children to play, develop friendships, and receive emotional support. Spiritual input through prayer and singing contributes to their holistic well-being and personal growth.

Supporting Children with Disabilities

Children with disabilities are often marginalised or neglected in the Mwakirunge community. The Joseph Centre actively welcomes and supports these children.

Currently, the centre cares for:

  • One 11-year-old child with limited mobility, who is now happily learning to read and write.

  • Three children aged 10 and above with severe learning difficulties, who arrived unable to communicate. With consistent support and inclusive teaching, all three are now engaging socially, and the youngest has begun attempting speech.

A Lifeline for the Forgotten

The Joseph Centre offers a more specialised approach to meeting the educational and developmental needs of children living in extreme deprivation. By focusing on literacy, numeracy, emotional wellbeing, and inclusive care, the centre gives children the chance to move beyond survival — and begin building a brighter future.

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