Schools & Programs​

​

​Over 1,500 Kibera children now attend our four PRIMARY SCHOOLS​

Our Primary Schools represent our most important work.

Without our schools, these children would have limited access to quality education and the daily nutrition that’s essential to successful learning.

We deliver on our mission by supporting and partnering with community‑founded primary schools, including Facing the Future Primary School (FAFU), MOBJAP Primary School, Center of Hope (CoH), and Community Pillars Alliance (COPA).

And just about every year since 2009, we’ve managed to expand our student population. Over 1,500 this year !

Key features across our primary schools include:​

  • ​Infrastructure: Purpose‑built classrooms, kitchens, dining halls, and in some cases dormitory space and counseling rooms, often replacing makeshift structures or rented rooms.​​

  • Holistic support: Feeding programs (typically two meals per day), access to basic medical and therapeutic services, and a safe environment in contrast to the wider slum.​​

  • Enrichment on campus: Music, sports, dance, chess, computer literacy, and other activities embedded in the school day, especially at FAFU and MOBJAP.​​

    For detail on our schools, see the brief descriptions that follow:​

  • Painting on a gate promoting FAEU Education Centre with artwork of two children, the girl on the left and the boy on the right, dressed casually, and the text "P.O BOX 19896-00202 NAIROBI VISION: QUALITY EDUCATION FOR A BETTER FUTURE."

    Facing the Future Primary School (FAFU)

    In January 2011, Crossing Thresholds partnered with Simeon Ajigo to create a safe haven in Kibera for children of single mothers. This vision quickly expanded into a comprehensive preschool, primary school, health clinic, and outreach program for at-risk youth. Today, the school serves 375 children, providing two meals daily alongside strong academics. The learning environment is further enriched by dynamic music and sports programs, as well as essential medical and therapeutic services.

  • Four smiling children sitting on a bench, wearing red sweaters and blue skirts, outdoors.

    MOBJAP Primary School

    Founded by Benard Asanya, Mobjap Primary School started years ago with minimal resources, driven by his deep commitment to feeding and educating children. The school was initially built in 2016 but was tragically destroyed by a fire in December 2017. Demonstrating remarkable resilience, Mobjap was completely rebuilt and restored by July 2018. It has since evolved into a dynamic community home to over 400 children. Alongside strong academics, the school offers various extracurricular programs, including music, dance, chess, and computer literacy, where the students' remarkable talent is on full display.

  • Group of young children in school uniforms standing together in a classroom, smiling and posing for a photo with an adult woman in the background.

    Center of Hope Primary School (CoH)

    In 2017, a community leader named Isabel Omondi was discovered to be feeding and educating nearly 175 children from pre-school through 4th grade, operating out of two small, cramped rented houses that were nonetheless "infused with positivity and hope." Isabel implemented her own curriculum, thoughtfully combining elements of the Montessori approach with the required Kenyan subjects to encourage imaginative and critical thinking. Crossing Thresholds purchased property and completed construction on a four-story building. The new school was dedicated in January 2025 and stands today as a "shining example of 'what can happen when vision and hard work come together'."

  • Community Pillars Alliance (COPA)

    In January 2021, Crossing Thresholds welcomed Clement Ombati as a new partner and founding director of COPA when schools reopened after the pandemic. Clement, a longtime friend and community leader, initially operated his school in a community hall with cardboard partitions. Inspired by his dedication, Crossing Thresholds secured a grant from RealFoundations LLC in 2021 and began construction on a new building. This facility was dedicated in July 2022 and now serves over 200 students and more than 20 teachers. Clement's motto for persistence is: “Stay committed. Persist. You never know when something great is going to happen.”