Slum pupils against the corrupt: the Kenyan school is safe

With them also the NGO Still I Rise, the embassy in Nairobi and also the Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto

ROME – “Save our school, the school is our home”: rhythmic shouts from the students of the Mathare slum, in the Kenyan capital Nairobi. Shouts and songs that became a party: the students managed to defend their institute together with the NGO Still I Rise, also thanks to the support of Italian institutions, from the embassy to the Ministry of Defense. The story was told byNiccolò Govoni, a young aid worker who grew up in Cremona and then traveled around the world with his NGO, committed to the right to education on several continents, from Colombia to Democratic Republic of Congo, from Syria to Greece.

WHAT HAPPENED TO MATHARE

The facts date back to yesterday, whena “low-ranking” police officer and government officials showed up at the school managed by the organization, threatening to demolish it if they didn’t pocketone million of shillings. “They claimed they wanted to apply a presidential ordinance which provides for the demolition of structures built irregularly along the banks of the river”, reconstructs Govoni in a video posted on Instagram. “The school building had been there since 1989 and above all it had all the necessary permits: here in Kenya there is a major corruption problem but we refused to pay”. The turning point came last night with the publication of a video of denunciation by Govoni. The managers of the Italian embassy also saw it. “They moved in an exceptional, sudden way, bringing incredible experience and skills into play”, underlines the founder of Still I Rise. “They contacted the Kenyan government at high levels and after two hours we had both the army and the Criminal Investigation Directorate at the school:there were 25 people, of which 15 were military, armed to protect us“. The institutions in Italy also made a contribution. “Even the Ministry of Defense supported us” underlines Govoni: “I thank the minister very much, Guido Crosetto“.

HOW IT ENDED UP

The conclusion, however, is all for the students. Many of them are refugee or vulnerable children, who can obtain an international baccalaureate by attending the Still I Rise school for free. Yesterday they marched to the local government headquarters in Mathare, chanting and demanding respect for their rights. The policeman responsible for the extortion attempt was arrested, while a local government chief who was also involved was warned while she remained locked inside her office so as not to have to meet the protesters. The happy ending of the story is a sign that strengthens hope, according to Govoni. Who underlines, to avoid prejudice: “For every corrupt official there is at least one honest one“.