Air France-KLM: Visiting the “Enfants de Mathare” association

During this visit, Florence Parly had the opportunity to speak directly with teachers and students from the Roots Institute Centre, a school supported by the “Enfants de Mathare” association, as well as with Air France-KLM employees from the Nairobi station who are involved in the project. This visit reflects the Group’s commitment to following and understanding the projects it supports, taking into account local realities.

Founded in 2004 in the heart of Mathare, the second largest slum in Nairobi, the school initially welcomed just seven children in makeshift facilities, driven by its founder’s conviction that education can transform lives.

Today, the Roots Institute Centre provides free schooling to nearly 450 children, offers them two meals a day, and enables more than 100 scholarship students to access secondary education.

"I am incredibly grateful to the teams at "the Roots Institute Centre" for welcoming us into their school and for sharing unforgettable moments with the children who study there. To witness their contagious good spirits and boundless energy, despite a very challenging environment, is a truly humbling experience. The approach put forward by the local teams is perfectly aligned with the principles of the Air France Foundation, and I am very happy and proud that we are able to support this project" declared Florence Parly, Chair of Air France-KLM Board of directors.

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However, learning conditions remain highly precarious and do not meet the essential needs of a safe and dignified school environment. In this context, the construction of permanent infrastructure is an absolute necessity to sustainably support the schooling of children in proper conditions.

The project led by the delegation

Faced with this urgency, Air France-KLM teams on the ground, already actively involved through several initiatives supporting the school, have played a key role in bringing this project to life and securing support from the Air France Foundation. Their commitment reflects a strong desire to engage sustainably and in close alignment with the real needs on the ground.

The project is now entering a decisive phase: a permanent building will replace the current makeshift structures. This new multi-storey facility will include modern classrooms, a library, spaces for science, computing, arts and athletics, thereby providing students with a stable environment essential to their development and success.

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"Every visit reminds me powerfully of how joy, smiles and the desire to share can exist even in the most difficult circumstances. These children pass on an incredible energy through their warm welcome and their songs. I am very happy that the Air France Foundation can help create a new learning environment for them" declared Stéphanie Spelle, Commercial Director East & South Africa, and sponsor of the project.

A long-term commitment to future generations

The Group’s commitment is also embodied through KLM and its association “Wings of Support”, which is very active in Kenya. It supports numerous initiatives across the country, such as the “Bushcamps” near Lake Naivasha, where children from Nairobi take part in activities focused on nature discovery, environmental education, and communal living.

The association also supports practical actions on the ground, including distributing hygiene kits in schools, funding infrastructure, supporting teachers, and assisting local educational organizations.

Through these and many other projects, Air France-KLM reaffirms its commitment to promoting sustainable access to quality education that serve communities and future generations.

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Fondation Air France

Wings of support