Meet Janny Marangu _ One Woman’s Mission to Bring Inclusive, Quality Education t

When Janny Marangu walks through the dusty footpaths of Korogocho’s Ngomongo slum each morning, she is reminded why she founded Gifted Inclusive Schools; a haven for children who might otherwise be left behind in one of Nairobi’s largest informal settlements.

“I wanted to build a place where children learn the Word of God, grow in a supportive and child-friendly environment, and feel excited to come to school every day,” she told the Nairobian.

Her dream began in 2023 with a single playgroup class of 23 learners. Today, the school offers Playgroup, PP1, PP2, and is preparing to launch its primary section next year. For Marangu, a longtime school social worker, the motivation ran deeper than academics. She explains that her years working with children revealed how often their emotional and psychological needs were overlooked.

“My vision was to establish an inclusive school that not only provides quality education but also offers psychosocial support from a qualified social worker or counselor,” she notes.

From the beginning, the school has maintained small class sizes to ensure each child receives individualized attention; an approach she considers non-negotiable and part of the school culture.

“We understand that every child learns differently, and our goal is to create an environment that meets each learner’s unique needs,” she says.

In just two years, the school has grown to 75 pupils, with numbers expected to rise significantly by 2026. The impact, however, extends far beyond enrollment figures. Children receive two nutritious meals a day for six days a week, courtesy of Tumaini Trust Kenya. Marangu believes this support is essential: “We want our pupils healthy, focused, and ready to learn.”

Beyond academics and meals, learners benefit from counseling, spiritual guidance, and psychosocial support. Parents, too, have been woven into the school ecosystem through Parentingsessions that equip them with positive parenting skills and strategies to support their children at home. The school social worker also provides counseling to families, strengthening relationships and nurturing emotional well-being.

“During the Christmas season, families even receive Christmas baskets as a gesture of care,” Marangu adds, highlighting the school’s commitment to community bonding.

Marangu is quick to acknowledge the individuals and organizations that have sustained the school. “Tumaini Trust Kenya has been a great pillar of support,” she says, noting especially their contributions to the feeding program and provision of learning desks. She also cites the generosity of Praveen R. Chauhan, who regularly donates fruits and stationery to the school.

Several friends; among them Nyaguthii Kariuki, Nyambura Gichache, and Winnie Ngaruiya, have supported the school through donations, volunteer work, and moral encouragement. “Their contributions have been invaluable in sustaining the mission of Gifted Inclusive Schools,” she emphasizes.

Despite the progress, the school faces a serious financial hurdle; unpaid rent arrears amounting to sh 360,000. To secure stability for the next three years, Marangu is running an M-Changa fundraising campaign to raise a total of sh 900,000. The funds will clear the arrears and pay rent in advance.

“We are mobilizing resources from friends, well-wishers, and partners who believe that every child deserves the chance to dream, learn, and thrive,” she says adding “Supporters can donate via the M-Changa paybill 891300, account 123021.

She hopes to attract local supporters, diaspora donors, corporates, and anyone passionate about inclusive education.

Marangu says the goal is bigger than rent. “Our hope is to build a strong, engaged community of supporters who share our vision; a world where all children, including those with special needs, recognize abilities, not disabilities.”

Marangu believes the government must adopt a multisectoral approach to improve the lives of children in informal settlements. Top on her list is access to mental health support.

“All children in public schools should have access to the services of a qualified social worker or counselor,” she argues, adding that “early intervention can prevent emotional and academic crises”

She also urges the state to invest in accessible, well-equipped public schools, strengthen Early Childhood Development programs, partner with community organizations, improve settlement infrastructure, and expand social protection programs such as feeding initiatives and cash transfers.

“Education should be free; when I say free, I mean no hidden levies that parents still have to pay,” she points out.

Marangu ends with an emotional plea: “Help us secure the land where Gifted Inclusive Schools is built. Every child, no matter where they are born, deserves the chance to dream, learn, and thrive.”

Whether through donations, volunteering, or spreading the word, she believes everyone can play a part. “Change begins when we come together to lift one another and invest in our children’s future,” she tells the reporter.