Lack of Funds
Being a community based Organization, Dagoretti South Empowerment Centre does not generate enough revenue to assist in its development agendas. The Centre then sees the need to engage with organizations/institutions for assistance in running its internal programs.
Library Books
Although the idea to set up the library was noble, the lack of resources was immediately felt when the shelves stood empty with no books. Children International came through and donated quite a number of books. All the books were from the U.S with American context.
Rotary club of E.A (Lavington branch) has also donated a large number of books. The Rotarians also partitioned a section of the senior library as an office and storage for the books to keep them safe.
The Libraries therefore have limited amount of books with a Kenyan context, so most of the user are forced to look elsewhere, This is a very sad state since most of the user are from very poor backgrounds and have nowhere else they can access books. The small children are forced to study on the floor carpet because the Library lacks furniture for them to sit on.
Some of the books and furniture that can come in handy are:
- Story books and puzzles for the Junior libraries
- Dictionaries/Thesaurus, encyclopedias
- Guidance or how to books on essay, CV. Business Plan, application letter writing.
- Study or reference books in various subjects e.g. Geography, Science, and History etc.
- General books including magazines.
- Tables and chairs that can be used by the very small children.
- We also have an itemized book list.
Lack of Equipment
The Centre needs to generate enough revenue to sustain itself with surplus to give back to the community as was initially intended. Due to the poor condition of the halls, it can only attract a low-end market and hence low rates have to be applied. If some of the halls can be upgraded to conference status then it would be easier to attract high-end clientele with better rates. Some of the equipment that are needed at the centre include:
- Public Address system
- Conference tables and chairs
- Blinds for the windows
- Flip Charts
- Projector
Compound/Building
The compound is in a very poor state and is dire need of leveling. The Centre’s lack a a proper drainage system, with the compound being of uneven surface with dips that are problematic to vehicles coming in especially low slang cars.
The paint work in the building is in poor condition, peeling of and badly stained and is in dire need of a fresh coat.
The exterior of the building and its accessories are falling apart after years of use. The little revenues generated is used to handle basic maintenance.
