Two small classrooms made of corrugated iron sheet in the heart of Mitumba, a slum in Nairobi, have been temporarily transformed into a 'theatre'. The desks have been removed and the benches arranged in conference style. Though there is no raised platform, a small section cleared of any desks or benches is presummably the 'stage'.

On this sunny day in mid September,the children of Rural Evangelist Ministries (REM) thrill their audience with an array of song, dance and comedy. The school is usually a buzz with excitement, but on this particular afternoon, because of the presence of visitors their excitement is unmatched.

As the children go through various renditions of popular choruses and songs, one common message seems to permeate throughout the entire performance. Through dance and drama, the children highlight the importance of drinking purified water through the Solar Water Disinfectang program - SODIS. The program, which is jointly implemented by CMA and The Water School (TWS) provides bottles in which students store and purify their water by use of the sun's ultra violet rays.

Provision of water is a major challenge in Kenya today. Provision of safe drinking water is and even greater challenge. Informal settles hardly have access to piped water and proper sanitation.  Consumption of unsafe water leads to occurrence of various waterborne diseases.

Access to clean water is just one of the many needs these and many other slum children face. The need for food, especially during this period of drought cannot be underscored. CMA supports a feeding program where these children receive two meals a day. Without this support, many would go without a meal the entire day. The school is also in dire need for supplies such as books, pens, crayons, chalk and learning aides.

In spite of the hardship these children face, they manage to smile and even put a smile on their audience.