Nairobi, Kenya - Recent

Storyline:
Although the heavy rains that pounded parts of eastern Africa between April and May have stopped and the floodwaters have subsided, numerous learners in Kenya are yet to resume classes due to damaged school infrastructure and the economic losses their families suffered during the flooding.

Francis Angwenyi, owner of a school in Kenya's capital Nairobi, said that his school that survived the floods was flattened by demolition squads following a government directive that buildings built near rivers be brought down.

Assessments done jointly by the East African country's Ministry of Education (MoE), Save the Children and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) revealed that the rains damaged infrastructure in several schools, making them unusable for learners. Some roads to schools in areas have also been cut off, worsening the situation. In addition, the floods washed away property and businesses, leaving parents unable to pay school fees.

A report released by the country's health ministry and Save the Children indicated that nearly half a million learners remain at home or in temporary shelters unable to resume their studies.

Expressing concerns that the adverse circumstances may affect schoolchildren in flood-hit areas, numerous experts have urged the Kenyan government to help rebuild damaged infrastructure and support those affected by the recent floods.

Experts also warned that unless the government and other stakeholders act fast, thousands of children could drop out of school, their dreams washed down the drain with the floodwaters.

Shotlist:
Nairobi, Kenya - Recent:
1. Temporary shelters;
2. Various of destroyed buildings, debris;
3. SOUNDBITE (Swahili, dubbed with English) Francis Angwenyi, owner of demolished school:
"The school was brought down because there was so much water here. In all these years we had never seen water like that.";
4. Various of students, teachers at temporary school;
5. Exterior of school;
6. Various of destroyed buildings, debris, residents;
7. Aerial shot of flooded building;
8. Damaged bridge;
9. SOUNDBITE (Swahili, dubbed with English) Francis Angwenyi, owner of demolished school (starting with shot 8):
"The majority of our students are back in school. But they are in a state of panic.";
10. Destroyed buildings, debris;
11. Various of students, teachers at temporary school.

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