This archive report was first published on 7 June 2020.
June 7, 2020 - Nairobi, Kenya. The COVID-19 pandemic has left many urban city dwellers in Kenya struggling to access food, but a Chinese expatriate's initiative is bringing hope to those in need.
Zhao Min, who has lived in Nairobi for eight years, launched the 'Food on the Way' program last month with the goal of helping 10 people at a time for $10 each. Her idea is simple: instead of spending extra money on food, individuals can contribute $10 to help feed 10 people.
Since its launch, the program has received $3,280 from 77 people in 12 countries, including China, Australia, and Canada. The funds have been used to purchase over 600 food packages for school children, enough to feed them for a week.
Yang Chi, principal of Erdemann Chinese Full-Time School, is one of the donors. He raised over $755 through an online talent show on International Children's Day and donated the funds to the Kenya SOS Children's Villages and Mcedo-Beijing School.
As of Saturday, Kenya had 2,600 confirmed COVID-19 cases, with the Kibera and Mathare slums among the hardest-hit areas. The 'Food on the Way' program is a beacon of hope for those affected by the pandemic, demonstrating the power of small acts of kindness.