“Korogocho Bridge” to Siegburg
The Alleestraße secondary school in Siegburg is building a bridge to Korogocho, Nairobi’s third largest slum. There has never been anything like it: An “online bridge” brought together pupils from Siegburg’s Alleestraße secondary school and children and young people from Nairobi’s third-largest slum, Korogocho. The two sides spoke and discussed with each other for almost an hour in a live broadcast.
The idea was born during the visit of two students from Nairobi this summer. Tabitha Nduku and Derrick Odhiambo were guests of Siegburg Alleestraße Secondary School (GSA) at the time. The idea of an “online bridge” between the two countries was developed to provide a platform for the interest and enthusiasm of the Siegburg students.
Questions, answers – and a vocal interlude
Both sides asked each other about their education, school life and hobbies. The particular problems and challenges of the children in Korogocho, Nairobi’s third largest slum, were also openly addressed.
Joseph from Korogocho, for example, reported that the gigantic garbage dump in the immediate vicinity of the houses was a major problem. Children also went there – sometimes even barefoot – to find something to eat. The steam and smells also caused respiratory problems for many residents. The issue of bullying among pupils was also raised. “It happens here too,” said one participant from Korogocho.
In addition to these serious questions and problems, there was also a lot of laughter. There was even singing. For example, 14-year-old Mary spontaneously performed a song that the pupils in Siegburg could also hear – and which was met with much applause on both sides.
Watch here a short video compilation.
“Successful start” – ”Great opportunity”
GSA principal Sabine Trautwein spoke of a “thoroughly successful start to a different world” for the pupils in Siegburg. This was a prelude to further encounters, which “should take place regularly in view of the digital possibilities”. Brian Onyango in Korogocho was also enthusiastic. He is the project manager of the Ayiera Initiative in Korogocho, which has been supporting the high school for years. “This is a great opportunity for the children and young people here,” he summarized. “We can talk to each other in real time and exchange ideas.” For the children in Korogocho, this was a “previously unimaginable opportunity” to meet their peers in Germany.
Story by Thomas Schwarz