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Every child on the street has a reason for being there; either as casualties of domestic violence, poverty, displacement, dysfunctional family or lured by their peers to the excitement of freedom. Tumaini Kwa Watoto works in reuniting these children from the streets with their families and finding strategies for the family. In June 50 were reunited with their families from the streets, making a difference to the lives of many children and families in their communities; the best solution and our first option. In TKW we know getting the children back to with their families is our first option is the best solution when possible. But few children return to the streets because their parents are not able to provide basic needs their due to lack of proper income generating activities. Strengthening the family structure: We use various strategies to improve a family’s livelihood and provide for their children, including starting or expanding their small businesses. This is a preventative measure that stops children from going back to the streets and settles them back home.
Here are some highlights of families empowered with small businesses:
14 years old Mercy joined the streets because her life was in danger due to the business the mother was doing. She was a bar attender, and she would often bring different men in their house. Her daughter would be in danger of sexual abuse. Tumaini Kwa Watoto reunited Mercy with her mother and empowered her to start a new business as a food vendor which has provided economic stability to her family. “My life has since changed since I have a different way of making a living, my daughter is safe. I cook food from this place and supply it to the construction buildings around here. This is a better way of earning an income and I am happy my children are now settled.”
We rescued 9 year old Mua from the streets and took her home to her mother. Mua’s mother had a small baby and 2 other children. She was separated from Mua’s father, and she was doing all she could to put food on the table for her children. That’s how the young girl ended up on the streets due to inadequate food at home.
Wanza, Mua’s mother’s green-grocer kiosk was almost collapsing. Today, a partner with Tumaini Kwa Watoto is helping her to expand her business so that she can support her family. “I will work hard to grow my business to double up the income. I know my business will do well as I have a variety of fruits and vegetables to sell. With adequate income, my children and I will have enough to buy food, pay rent and meet other family needs.”
Jose 12 years old was rescued from the streets and taking him home, the mother who is single was doing small scale farming. The mother has 3 children and she shared her main income was chicken rearing. Her farming was affected by the pandemic and that meant she could not provide adequately for her children leading Joseph to join the streets in search of food and menial jobs. “During good times, I used to sell several trays of eggs daily. Due to the pandemic, the farming business was affected and my business collapsed. Some chicks died and due to lack of food, there were no eggs to sell and no money to buy basic needs for my children. Tumaini Kwa Watoto has boosted my business and I am sure soon I will be able to supply eggs in my village and shops again. This will help stabilize my family. Thank you.’
Together Empowering Children, Families and transforming communities…
