Mathare is characterized by widespread poverty, with a significant portion of the population living below the poverty line (below 2 euro/day), many struggle to eat on a daily basis. 

The settlement is characterized by hundreds of structures, densely packed and laid out without adhering to spatial layout guidelines. There are few permanent structures, with most people living in temporary shacks made of wood and corrugated iron. 

The majority of residents in Mathare are engaged in the informal sector, working in activities such as street vending, manual labor, or small-scale businesses with limited job security and low income levels.

The population of Mathare is characterized by a mix of residents from various background and population age group such as::

• Migrant workers from various regions in Kenya who migrated to the slum in search of work and economic opportunities.
• Refugees and Internally Displaced Persons, displaced by conflicts or natural disasters. They face unique challenges, including limited access to resources and official documentation such as passport or birth certificates which can exacerbate their vulnerability. Ugandan families often settle in Village 2. Somali in Mathare 3A. Tanzanian men usually migrate alone and settle in Village 2. In the last couple of years, Mathare has seen a growing population of Somali Tribe from North Kenya as a consequence of the drought.
• Single mother-led families due to separation, widowhood, or abandonment. These mothers have to balance limited resources, access to education, employment opportunities, and housing instability while ensuring the well-being and development of their children. They often have multiple partners trying to find ways to sustain themselves which make them highly vulnerable to GBV.
• Orphans living with extended families who are often forced to drop school at an early age due to lack of financial support.
• Youths many are unemployed and highly exposed to social risks.
• Elderly individuals who have been residing in Mathare for a long time. They often face issues related to healthcare, social support, and inadequate pension or retirement benefits.

In Mathare, a significant proportion of school-aged children lack access to adequate educational opportunities. Although public primary education has officially been free since 2003, families still report having to pay up to €100 per child each year to cover associated costs - an amount that remains out of reach for many low-income households.

As a result, many children and adolescents are left out of school and spend their days idle, often seen playing in the streets or wandering the neighborhood. This lack of structure and supervision exposes them to serious risks, including gang recruitment, trafficking, drug and alcohol abuse, crime, prostitution, and sexual violence from a very young age.

This is why our organization stands as a beacon of hope in such a struggling environment. By offering free, safe, and consistent access to quality education, we provide children in Mathare not only with learning opportunities, but also with protection, guidance, and a chance to break the cycle of poverty and violence.