In October, the Rotary Club of Kilifi had the privilege of visiting Matsangoni Primary School’s Special Needs Unit, a place we have visited all year round when the school was in session. This time it was different - the last visit in the year to a place filled with laughter, resilience, and a quiet determination to thrive against the odds.
The day began with a warm welcome from the teachers and pupils, many of whom live with unique challenges yet radiate joy that is truly contagious. With hearts full and hands ready, we distributed food supplies, rice, maize flour, porridge flour, cooking oil, and other essentials intended to support both the students and their dedicated caregivers.
For these children, proper nutrition is not just a meal, it is fuel for growth, focus, and development. As the food parcels were received with smiles and applause, we were reminded that a simple act of kindness can go a long way in creating a sense of dignity and care.
After the distribution, we were guided to the school’s impressive vertical gardens, a creative solution the school embraced to grow vegetables in a limited space. Rows of leafy vegetables and herbs stood tall in reused industrial plastic, a symbol of both innovation and self-reliance. But the garden, like many in the region, is struggling. Under the relentless glare of the scorching sun, many of the plants are withering. Water scarcity is taking its toll, threatening what has become a vital source of nutrition and learning for the students.
Yet, even in the face of these challenges, the spirit at Matsangoni remains unshaken. As we left, we carried with us more than just memories. We carried a renewed commitment to support not only with food, but with sustainable solutions for the future. Together, we can keep both plates and hearts full.