A MERCY nun from Phibsboro has been presented with a Presidential Distinguished Service Award for her outstanding humanitarian work with the poor and marginalised in Kenya.
Sr Mary Killeen, who has been working in the African nation since 1976, was one of ten recipients presented with the award from President Michael D Higgins at Aras an Uachtarain.
Sr Mary spoke about her award with the typical humility of missionaries.
"I accept the award not for myself but on behalf of all the people who work with me now and in the past, and the donors and volunteers who have made my work possible for the marginalised and poorest of the poor,” she said.
“The greatest reward is to see deprived children being given an opportunity to explore their God-given talents and to live with dignity and respect."
Sr Mary entered the Mercy convent in Blackrock aged 20 and trained as a teacher at Carysfort College. She studied theology at Milltown Park and catechetics at UCD during the ‘70s while teaching at primary schools in Dublin.
It was as a primary teacher that Sr. Mary went to Kenya in 1976 to join the staff of Our Lady of Mercy school in Nairobi.
Close by were the large slum settlements of Mukuru and it wasn’t long before she became involved in trying to address the huge problem of thousands of children unable to go to school.
She initiated a diverse programme of education, health and community services in Mukuru slums where 600,000 people live.
Starting with a primary school, she developed the Mukuru Promotion Centre (MPC). This vast project now comprises four primary schools with 5,600 pupils, plus skills training in masonry, carpentry, plumbing, art, crafts, hairdressing, beauty, cookery, hygiene and vegetable growing.
Importantly, it includes a school for special needs children, plus a secondary school for 660 students, health clinics that have treated 800,000 people, social work services, street children rehabilitation, a support group for HIV/AIDS, and business training.
With a strong focus on personal empowerment, she has educated over 170,000 people – many of whom are now self-sustainable.
Sr Mary was chosen to represent the slum populations of Nairobi in addressing their issues to Pope Francis during his visit in 2016 – an event covered by world media, thus, highlighting the issues of poverty in a powerful manner globally. RTE’s Nationwide reported on her work in January 2017.
Thanks to her commitment and leadership, MPC attracts a constant stream of visitors including the President of Slovakia in 2015 and President Mary McAleese in 2001.
Many people from Ireland and other countries volunteer in the activities of the centre each year. Her reputation reaches far beyond Ireland and Kenya, a fact demonstrated by the 50-minute documentary ‘Sr. Mary of Nairobi’ produced by Austrian State Television – ORF – and broadcast in February 2017.
Gernot Lercher, producer of the documentary said he was deeply impressed by Sr Mary’s relentless and brave efforts in improving the difficult conditions of millions of slum-dwellers in Nairobi.
“The word ‘impossible’ obviously doesn´t exist in her vocabulary,” he said.
“Combative a person as I ever met, she is battling corruption and mismanagement in the Kenyan capital, always having the best interests of the poorest of the poor in her heart.
“I would even call her the ‘Mother of Mukuru’, which is one of the largest slums in Nairobi.”
John Slattery, Chairman of Africa Direct, which has a long-standing partnership with Sr Mary, says that walking through the extensive Mukuru slums with her was akin to accompanying a soccer star.
“She is well known and popular with everyone,” he explained.
“A continuous flow of volunteers arrive to the Mukuru Promotion Centre from all over Europe, America and Canada.
“All are met at the airport, welcomed, shown around and facilitated to get involved wherever their skills can usefully be applied.
“Collaboration and goodwill in any form is encouraged. Religion is not a limiting factor, Muslims and others are welcomed in schools and services.”
Mukuru Promotion Centre is suffering a significant shortfall in its operational funding this year. People wishing to make a donation to support Sr Mary’s inspirational work can do so to Sisters of Mercy Kenya Mission Account, IBAN IE86 BOFI 9027 6896 6147 00, Bank of Ireland, 32 South Mall, Cork, or contact her through www.mercymukuru.co.ke/
