Dandora Phase 1, Nairobi Province, Kenya: International City of Peace

We welcome Dishon Otiende and his community in the Phase 1 area of Dandora on the outskirts of Nairobi, Kenya. Mr. Dishon runs an education and childcare center for children. The Dandora municipal area is the largest dump site in Kenya and home to many children and adults who are exposed to extremely toxic environment and extreme poverty.

Dishon Otiende joins Diana Jomo, the Liaison for Dandora Phase 4 City of Peace initiative. “I, Dishon, and Diana, we shall collaborate and work together. We shall  also take a responsibility of finding other commuted leaders in phase 2,3 and 5. Iwill be in charge of phase 1 and Diana will be in charge  of phase 4, but we shall collaborate together. We are so greatful to work with you (i.e. International Cities of Peace).

The hope is to have leaders in all five Phases of the Dandora Region collaborate in many ways that will support greater funding and volunteer work in the wider area. Dandora Cities of Peace will enable the Liaisons to be more effective with the rising awareness of their plight and tremendous courage it takes to continue and succeed in their peacebuilding work.

Note: Introduction page with information primarily at the time of joining International Cities of Peace. For updates, please contact the liaison.

The Education Center

Maryland Community Education Centre is a Childcare Development Center that strives to give children between the ages of 5 to 13 years regardless of their gender, religion, social status, race or physical ability an opportunity to live a fulfilled life.

The Centre has four main objectives namely;

1. To offer Education and Training that is inclusive and accessible
2. To carry out Needs Assessment and Empowerment to children from marginalized Communities.
3. To provide a feeding program that is nutritious, well balanced and affordable
4. To give special attention to children with disabilities and children with learning difficulties to benefit from the education system.

“We believe every child’s life and education matters, and that is why we are requesting your esteemed office to support us in championing their rights.”

Motto
Together We Rise

Goal
Every Child’s Life and Education Matters

Mission Statement
To give an opportunity to underprivileged, vulnerable, marginalized children of a school going age regardless of their gender, religion, ability and nationality access quality education and live a fulfilled life.

Vision Statement
Grow into an impactful Community Centre providing knowledge and skills to vulnerable children through training and mentorship in an inclusive system.

Purpose Statement
We exist to ensure that:
1. Every child has an equitable chance in life
2. Every child learns and explores his/her unique gifts and talents
3. Every child is protected from violence and exploitation
4. Every child lives in a clean and safe environment
5. Every child survives and thrives


Main Objectives
1. Offer Education and Training that is inclusive and accessible
2. Carry out Needs Assessment and Empowerment to children from marginalized Communities.
3. Provide a feeding program that is nutritious, well balanced and affordable
4. Give special attention to children with disabilities and children with learning difficulties to benefit from the education system.

Core Values
1. Integrity, Honesty, Accountability, Efficiency, Excellence and Professionalism and Good Corporate Governance.
2. Effective Leadership that enhances judicious management of Organization’s projects and activities.
3. Teamwork, Unity of Purpose and support for one another leading to team synergy.
4. Gender Equity and Fairness.
5. Respect, Love and Care for the Weak, Vulnerable and the Destitute.

 

 

ABOUT THE LIAISON

“My name is Dishon Osengo Otiende. I was born in 1986 in western Kenya. I started my primary schooling in 1992 until 2002. l joined  secondary school in 2003 to 2004.

“In 2008, I relocated to Dandora slums where I taught in various schools. In 2012, I decided to start my own school to offer free education to orphans and children from poor families because I saw some of the challenges children in Dandora where undergoing. I have been running the school up to date”

 

CONTACT INFORMATION

 

To contact or support this initiative:

Dishon Otiende
+254 795 399 511

Maryland Community Education Centre,
Komarock Rd. Next to Kenya Railways, Dandora Phase 1,
P.O Box 7005 – _00100 Nairobi, Kenya.
Tel: +254 746 794 452
Email: mceckenya@gmail.com

 

ABOUT DANDORA, KENYA (from Wikipedia)

Dandora is an eastern suburb in Nairobi, Kenya. It is part of the Embakasi division. Surrounding neighbourhoods called estates include Kariobangi, Baba Dogo, Gitare Marigo and Korogocho. Dandora was established in 1977, with partial financing by the World Bank in order to offer a higher standard of housing.

The location is in part well known for being the site of the main municipal solid waste dump for Nairobi, which has significant negative health effects on its population.

Nairobi’s principal dumping site is situated in Dandora. The Dandora Oxygenation Ponds, a prominent feature on satellite imagery of the area, is Nairobi’s main sewage treatment works, and discharges processed water into the Nairobi River.

Dandora is divided into 5 phases. Crime thrives here due to high rate of school drop out and the city’s dumpsite. The dumpsite is an environmental hazard. The burning of the waste during the night can cause choking. Houses nearing the site are filled with smoke making it hard to breathe.

Note: If information or photos used here are copyrighted, please contact us and we will immediately delete the copyrighted material.