Coffee fan on mission to rescue school

A GOLD COAST student has launched a GoFundMe appeal to help save a vital primary school in Africa’s biggest slum.

Bond University business and commerce student Jim Chapman launched Nice Coffee Co. to help support St Johns School in the Kenyan slum of Kibera, through using ethnically sourced Kenyan coffee and supplying beans-and-machine packages to offices and companies who want to have a positive social impact.

On a recent trip back to Kibera,

Mr Chapman was told St Johns School would be closed by the government in January, unless work was carried out to rebuild its classrooms.

“The principal got a visit, it was a few days before we got there, he told us once we got into the school. A classroom in Kenya had collapsed, I think it killed eight kids, so the government became really strict on building regulations. They’ve already closed 100 schools, and you can see where they’re coming from.”

Mr Chapman said while Nice Coffee Co. preferred to support St Johns School directly from its own profits, the tight time frame to keep the school open meant they had to look at other options.

“We are clearly pretty passionate about using coffee to support this project, but because of the deadline we’ve had to change things a little.”

He said education was the main way for kids to escape the slum.

“When someone manages to get a good education and work, they’re not only supporting themselves but their whole extended family. Education, I think is the most important thing for these kids, among many other challenges.”

Mr Chapman was thrilled with the initial response, which had already raised more than $11,000, but there was still a long way to go reach the $30,000 target. To donate, visit https:// www.gofundme.com/f/saving-stjohns-school