Clean learning spaces are safe learning spaces. Our caretakers, Margaret and Eric, ensure the school environment is always tidy. But they also make sure the school has a steady water supply and they keep a protective eye on our students throughout the day. Their work begins early in the morning and lasts into the late afternoon. Margaret and Eric also have been a part of the school since its early days.
Margaret - Mama Abu - joined the school in 2013. She lives near the school with her 4 children and her elderly mother. The eldest daughter completed high school and is pursuing a hairdressing course. Abu, Lavin and Precious are past pupils of Hands of Love and continue their studies in the local schools. Before joining the school, Mama Abu lived with her husband and mother in the upcountry. However, she left her abusive husband and moved to Nairobi with the family. She struggled to fend for her family and had to wash clothes and sell vegetables to meet basic needs. This was until a friend introduced her to Hand of Love where she enrolled her children. Later in 2011, she got a job at the school as a cleaner strengthening her capacity to provide education and other basic needs for her family.
Eric lives in Korogocho with his wife and their 5 children - Nicole, Lilian, Sylvia, Beretta and Evelyne - who are all former or current pupils. He used to wash cars and sort garbage before joining the school. The wages were not sufficient even with the wife (Dorcas) assisting. In the beginning, Eric assisted in identifying vulnerable families that formed the first batch of students. He was then offered a job as a cleaner. Eric also acts as an assistant teacher when needed and assists the scouts club.Eric and Margaret are a testament to the positive impact of the school on our students and their families.