Desperate and hopeless was the best way to describe Josephine’s situation.  Her husband had provided for his family until he got ill and died within a short time.  Josephine was also sick, a widow and with no hope for her four children.  Her husband’s relatives took away their piece of land and their house leaving them homeless.  Jose & Paulo, 12 & 10 decided to look for help and landed on the streets.

We met these two boys and walked them back home where we were faced by their desperate situation.  Josephine had tried doing casual jobs to provide for her children but couldn’t keep up with the rent for the small room she occupied with her family.  The landlord had locked her out, she was out of medication and couldn’t afford a balanced diet.  TKW team that took Jose and Paulo home pleaded with their landlord to open their house.  They promised to pay the rent arrears and help the children go back to school.

One of our partners received a story, like the one you are reading today, in January 2016 and wanted to know how she could help.  She gave a gift to buy the children school uniform and pledged to give £50 a month for six month.  This was a miraculous provision for a family who could barely put food on the table.  Rent arrears were paid, school requirements were bought and Josephine could put food on the table for her children.

Fast forward June 2017: Several months ago, these children and their mother were without hope, but through TKW and the encouragement of their community, they can look forward to a better future.  Josephine, who was seriously ill, is now back on her feet and beginning to provide for her family. The owner of the land which was purchased last month has been gracious enough to this family by offering them a piece of land to plant their own crops for food and a room for their comfort. All the children have been transferred to a school near the land and enrolled back in to Miambani Primary school. The children are doing well and have settled at new home and new community/school.

A quarter acre piece of land has been purchased from the balance of the money that was invested into this family last year. The local administration and the community will help Josephine begin to build a home for her children.  From a small gift, this family has been transformed. We will continue to follow this family’s progress with great expectation.

‘I am so thankful for the tender support from Tumaini Kwa Watoto for considering me to attend this camp. While at Diguna I learnt a lot and I am going to respond by actions.  Thank you TKW team for picking us from town, paying our fares and taking us to such a wonderful place.   Thank you, 1,000 times. Your investment in me is not in vain.’  Says 18 -year old Musa (not real name) who five year ago was on the streets but he is preparing for KCSE this year (Kenya Certificate of Primary Education).

Empower and Transform through mentoring: Joyful songs around the campfire and a tug-of-war to encourage teamwork. Lots and lots of laughter, fun and games. We are always looking for ways to empower and build our children to maximize their potential at Tumaini Kwa Watoto.  April 2017 camp at Diguna Retreat Centre was the highlight of April holidays for some of our high school students.  Equipping them with bible based life skills was part of the week’s program.  For TKW team, it was an encouraging week of seeing the faith of the students transformed as the week progressed and filling their hearts with God’s word and life changing experiences.  This is what they had to say about the week:

Joni: ‘’I enjoyed making new friends.  I appreciated all the spiritual guidance I received as a student there, from my counselors and the other staff.  I learned a lot about the word of God and how I am to apply it to my life.  I say thank you 10,000 times”.

AIC Diguna is an amazing place to learn about God, discover friendships and do many fun activities.  It was a great week I learned how to abstain from sex, drugs and putting boundaries in life.  I interacted with other students and learned from them. The only thing I can do to prove this promise is to show it by actions.  Famu

Deno 18 years old and in Form 4, had this to say ‘’ It has been interesting being taught God’s word.  The program began after taking breakfast, we would go to the chapel to worship and afterwards move to our groups.   I learned how to avoid bad company, (Ephesian 5:15), how to put God first in everything, sexual purity and setting boundaries.   I am so thankful for giving me an opportunity to attend the camp.

‘Thank you for taking me to AIC Diguna. It made a profound impact in my life, as a young man I learned about God.  I felt challenged on how to be a better Christian and this is going to change my life.  D.G.

Pete is another one who is so grateful for considering him to attend the camp at AIC Diguna, he wishes to be given another chance.  It was a wonderful opportunity.

Cheri, a form 0ne student:  ‘it was awesome taking me to a camp.  I learned creating boundaries is important, the power in the words of my mouth and self-awareness.  If I was not given this opportunity I would have not learnt all this. I am so thankful and looking forward to another chance.

Musal, a Form 4 student had this to say, ‘I am so thankful for the tender support from Tumaini Kwa Watoto for considering me to attend the camp. While at Diguna I learned a lot and I am going to respond by actions.  Thank you TKW team for picking us from town, paying our fares and taking us to such a wonderful place.   Thank you, 1,000 times. Your investment in me is not in vain.

“I’m so happy that my nephew received a whole week of spiritual counseling and guidance and counseling to enhance his life– with the dedicated people that you had at your camp to promote their well-being. Our children are learning very valuable lessons in this troubled world. So many other children are going in the wrong direction — children that don’t have the church, school and good people to teach them right and wrong. Thank you so much for making a difference in our children’s lives.’ – Aunty Eliza.

Tumaini News: February 2017

Thank you for walking with me

Heddwyn & Lydiah spent Christmas 2016 in Kenya, connecting with family and friends. One of the highlights of our visit to Kenya was spending an afternoon with these young men.  Listening to their stories of how much they appreciate TKW’s intervention when they were lost. As Francis (far right) said, “I was on streets out of rebellion to my mother.  I dropped out of high school and joined a group of boys on the streets.  My mother is always grateful to TKW for rescuing me and returning me back home.’

We shared a leisurely afternoon with food and catch up. We thank Mary for facilitating the afternoon.  Grace Mwangi joined us since she is in touch with most of the young people rescued when TKW began reaching out to children of the streets.

It was like one of those reunions where each one of them were free to share about their past.  The good, the bad and in between. They have been loved and given hope

Against all odds…but Going Places!  Paul Muturi who was rescued in 2006 proudly shared that he is doing a diploma course in architecture at JKUAT (a local university).  On completion, he is hoping to join his uncle who is in construction business.  He said, ‘Sorry for giving you such a hard time when you were trying to help me. I was an angry young man, but you didn’t give up on me.’  TKW found Paul a foster family when they rescued him the second time because he couldn’t settle at home. His mother felt helpless.  He read every readable material around Jane’s house even when the paraffin was not available, he used light from the fire wood to read.  He now wondered what to do next… He had a hunger for knowledge that was not easy to satisfy.  He excelled in his studies and many of his classmates sought him out to help them. But even with a caring foster family, he was restless. He woke up one morning and said that he wanted to go home.  His journey has had its up and downs but he continues to excel in his studies. His earlier aspirations were to become a judge but his uncle, who has been his mentor encouraged him to pursue architecture.  A program in Molo (in North Rift) town sponsored him through high school where he performed well (362 out of 500 marks)and are also sponsoring him through university.  Paul said, ‘I am so grateful TKW team who have kept in touch with me and my family.  I have also connected with my dad at last and thank you for helping me appreciate my family.’

 

Francis Gichuki – peer pressure

Francis was rescued from the streets in 2008, was reconciled to his mother in Githurai. He settled amidst challenges negative peer influence.  He did K.C.P.E and joined Philadephia High school and his hard working mother took responsibility to ensure Francis settled.

TKW Team made several visits to his school to offer guidance and counselling to Francis. He finished high school and has recently completed a course in mechanics.  He is now an apprentice with a local garage and hopes to get a job.  TKW team are still in touch with the family and follows Francis’ progress with a sense of a job well done.

 

 

 

 

George Njuguna: Appreciating family

George was rescued from a crowded children’s home in 1999.  Williams’ family fostered him for 7 years. He says, ‘When my dad died in 1994, my grandmother took me and my brothers to a children’s home ‘to give us a chance of getting education’, but I was snatched from my mother.  The Williams rescued me and gave me the best family experience.  They also put me in one of the best primary schools.  When I did KCPE, I joined a high school near my home.  I was reunited with my mum and extended family which was always my desire.  I was sponsored through high school and the studied IT and electronics in College.

I am now doing what I always wanted to do working with electronics. My dream is to become a Leader in the world of IT…. (Give me Steve Job’s shoes!)

I am very grateful for what the Lord has done in my life, and I take this opportunity to say thank you.  I don’t know how to express my joy but to thank God since there are many people out there who wish to get such an opportunity of joining college and it is not there. As I joined college, my goal has been to become the next leader in the world of IT. Since this is my goal I am going to do my best, indeed all I can to achieve it.  My word to the team in Tumaini Kwa Watoto is ‘thank you, continue with the great work you are doing’.” Back in 2006, George said his dream was go to Japan to learn electronics from the best.  The journey toward this dream continues.  Who would have thought that the sad boy who came to the Williams in 1999 would become a confident young man who is maximising his potential?  Occasionally George pops to TKW’s office and will sort out any issues with the laptops.

Recently George’s uncle reported that George is a very responsible young man. He works hard at whatever he does and takes his role as an elder brother and a son very seriously. This is a reflection of the foundation that was laid during the seven years that he lived in a family that modelled a godly lifestyle, respect and honour for parents and taking responsibility for your own life.   We thank God for the opportunity to make a difference in this young man.  We believe he will make a positive impact in his generation and beyond.

 

Victor Gatitu – Alone and lonely

Victor says, ‘I’m so grateful for Nairobi Chapel Jubilee Scholarship and mentorship program.  I benefitted greatly from the camps and times when we were met together with others students.  Thank you Tumaini Kwa Watoto for walking with me.’

After Victor’s parents died, his sister was taken to an informal school while Victor stayed with his uncle James. Victor was very upset to be separated with his sister and he too wanted to join the same school. He was influenced by his friends and ended up on the streets.

We met Victor at a government’s rehabilitation centre in 2007. Victor is a quiet boy and this made it hard to identify him among more rowdy boys. Victor hated the place and vowed never to return there. He gave us directions to his uncle’s place and soon he was on his way back home. The family has adopted Victor as one of their own. Victor and cousins are like brothers and sisters. Looking at Victor today, you would not believe that he was ever on the streets of Nairobi. He has been transformed into a responsible young man.

When Victor completed primary school, his uncle sent us this message, “Victor has performed very well in his studies and I will do my best to get him into the best school.” James was determined to ensure that although Victor is an orphan he gets the same treatment as his own children. He took the initiative to find a school for Victor while finding one for his daughter and Victor’s sister. Victor got sponsorship from Nairobi Chapel Jubilee Scholarship fund and his uncle provided other school requirements. If all fathers had a heart like James, this world would be a better place for the children of Africa.

Victor is waiting to join university to study civil engineering thanks to the promise of sponsorship by Jubilee Scholarship fund.  We are grateful to our partners who enable us empower young people like Victor.

 

Augustine Mudome – Who am I?

Who am I? 16 years ago Augustine was on the streets hopeless with no place to call home. Hewas among the first children that we rescued in 2000.  It’s been a long walked with him. His family situation was difficult because his mother was mentally challenged.  He had no sense of identity since his father rejected him and his siblings due to him mother’s ill health.  His aunts and uncle kept moving him from one home to the next.  Augustine was happy when he joined high school.  It meant stability and opportunity to make a future for himself. His mother died when he was in high school.

He was a beneficially of Nairobi Chapel’s Jubilee Scholaship scheme.  He was later involved in the mentorship of other young people like him as well as working with high school students.

Augustine says, ‘I don’t know whether I would be alive if TKW hadn’t intervened in my life.  I was loved and helped.  I remember when I stayed with the Williams and we prayed that it would rain and it rained.  That was the beginning of my journey of faith.  If God could send rain in answer to their prayers, God can meet my needs too.  I have been doing business but it hasn’t go well.  I’m now waiting to start a new job.  I thank God for my wife, Faith and my son.  Thank you “mum & dad’ for modelling a godly family.’

22^nd November, 2014, Augustine & Faith had a colorful wedding with many guests who came to witness God’s doing.  It was a marvelous sight to behold. Faith has brought Augustine this far, married Faith and they will hold on to faith in God.  They are certain that faith will see them through! They are parents of one adorable child. Augustine says, “My life is about what faith in God can do.  I am a child of God.  I have a father who will never let me go wandering again.”

This is one of 1000 testimonies that inspire TKW team to continue to relate with the children on the streets, and rescue them, reintegrate them with their families and communities and restore them through various empowerment strategies, to make a difference in their generation and beyond.  In 2016, 213 children were reintegrated back with their families and the task of empowering those children and their families is ongoing.

1000 reasons to celebrate.  1000 reasons to care.  1000 children means that 1000 families and 1000 communities have received hope.  Will you join us to celebrate and plan how we will rescue the next 1000 children from the streets?  Watch this space  for events celebrating this milestone in 2017.

 

“Education means everything to most children.  When I was in primary school, I couldn’t get enough reading materials. Finding books to read was a challenge.  I would borrow books from other pupils who could afford them and read around the fire late into the night.   I wanted to work hard to join a government funded high school.  When my dream came true, I couldn’t afford the school fees.  Every new school term I would go back to school crying.  No pocket money and no school fees….my father had spent school fees money on his addiction to alcohol and smoking.  O how I thank God for my dear mama who did everything to keep me in school!  She would come and plead with the head-teacher to allow me to continue to study while she went to look for school fees.  I long to see every child access education.  Education has opened many doors for me”, writes Lydiah

Rose, a child taking care of younger siblings …..For over 7 years she took care of her siblings after her parents separated and her mother remarried.  Her father also disappeared and started another family far away from home.  Home alone, she became a bread earner overnight.  She still managed to do her KCPE exams while employed as a house help.  She was going to school during the day and working in the evening.  She enrolled in form one the following year and paid her school fees. Talk about resilience and determination right there!

As things got worse, Rose had to think of ways to earn more money.  A cousin found her a job as a house help in Nairobi.  The promise of more money didn’t materialize.  She found herself on the streets, alone and vulnerable.  Her employer has chased her without paying her for her hard work.   TKW team met Rose at a police station where a Good Samaritan had taken her. Her relatives couldn’t believe their eyes when Rose arrived with strangers. Yet they were grateful as they welcomed Rose back home.

Jacob, Rose’s paternal uncle said, “As a family we feel ashamed for watching Rose suffer, drop out of school and travel to Nairobi to work as a house help. As a community we have failed for we did nothing to help, blaming her irresponsible father. Today you have opened our eyes, you are strangers and have helped Rose who is not related to you. We will work together to see that Rose is back in school.”

“Thank you so much TKW team. I cannot believe that I will go back to school. At last God has heard the cry of my heart’’, said Rose as she cried for joy. Rose needs school fees and upkeep to join school next year.

Thank you for listening to the genuine cry of children like Javan …somebody, anybody, please be the answer to their cry.  You will be making an eternal investment and changing a life forever.

Javan said, “Please, Sponsor me: I need school fees but my mum is unsettled financially and my father is ill.”  Javan’s father was working as driver for years and faithfully provided for his family, then he had a mental breakdown.  He has not recovered and that threw the family to chaos.  Javan had to drop out of school and his mother sent him to his uncle (mother’s brother) who works as a night guard in Nairobi to look for help. Unfortunately his uncle was unable to help and slowly Javan’s hope of going back to school vanished.  He started going to the streets to find odd jobs to supplement his uncle’s income.  One day he was arrested by city council officials and taken to Bahati government rehab centre where we met him.  He agreed to go back home to his mother.

His mum said, “It is humiliating to admit as a parent you are not able to pay for your child’s school fees.  Every term I would ring Javan’s teacher to share our challenges. Teachers were kind to Javan and I.   This support was priceless but it soon came to an end.   Javan had to drop out of school for school fees arrears.  Please help him to get back to school”.   Javan needs Kshs 12,000/100 pounds per term to keep him in school.

15 year old Irene Wambui says, “I NEED SCHOOL FEES” She is the firstborn in a family of three children. She was attending St. Francis Secondary School in Gilgil where she lives with her family, three hours’ drive from Nairobi. She had scored 301 marks in her KCPE exam that enabled her to join Form 1.
Irene had only stayed on the streets for a week before TKW team rescued her. She shared the difficulties at home and of living on the streets as a girl, “every street boy wanted to be my friend. I really regret running to the streets and now I want to go back home.”
Irene had a fee balance and her parents sent her back to school without any money. The school admin wanted the school fee balance paid before admitting her back to school. She was sent back home but Irene came to the streets to look for help instead of going home.
TKW team took her home and encouraged her parents to present their challenge to the school administration. She was allowed back to school but school fee arrears of Kes 36, 000/= or 300 pounds is still outstanding. Irene aspires to be a doctor and promised to work hard.

TKW team rescued Eric Muturi in 2014 and reunited him with his mum in Kasarani, Nairobi.  She worked nearby but had a mental breakdown.  She walked away from her son, left him on his own in a rental house with no rent and no food.

Eric is another child who found himself on the streets out of desperation. He now lives with his grandmother but he needs school fees and upkeep.  He is sitting for KCPE this year and hoping to join high school in 2017.   He will need sponsorship to access further education.  This is our child fallen on hard times…

 

 

 

 

Celebrate with us. 1000 children off the streets and back with their families!

Tumaini’s number one priority is getting the children back home and back to school.  Every child living or loitering on the streets has a reason for being there and not by chance. TKW team is alert whenever we spot a child walking on the streets. James had two reasons for being on the streets.  His parents were separated and he didn’t have a place to call home.  His teachers had also forced him to repeat class 7 than joining class 8. He said: “When we get home please remember to tell my dad and my grandmother I want to go to class 8.

James’ grandmother welcomed us home. After a lengthy introduction, she accompanied us to James’ school. TKW team pleaded his case and he was allowed to join class 8 as he had requested. He was also attached to a school counselor for ongoing guidance.

Fast forward…..James is slowly adjusting to life at home. He is running errands for the family as he reconnects with his younger siblings. He has joined the young people’ group in church where they practice dancing. He is also preparing for KCPE in November 2016 and his teachers are encouraging him to work hard.

We thank our friends and partners for empowering TKW team to walk 1000 children back home to their families.

 

 

 

“Thank you for your encouragement and support to my family. I was sick in hospital but you have helped us.  This has been a great comfort to us and has made our burdens lighter. May God bless you.” Josephine said.

 I am grateful for your encouragement, love, and support that you have given us. I was sick in hospital but you have helped us with what we needed.  This has been a great comfort to us and has helped to lighten our daily burdens.   May God bless you.” Josephine said emotionally

Josephine’s children have grown up with moments of pain and shame brought on by poverty.  Sometimes they have little or no food.  At times their house has been locked due to rent arrears.   It is painful to see their loving mum unwell and crying for help holding onto her children to console her.

Spreading the love- Time is now: In January 2016, TKW team shared Josephine’s story after we returned her two sons, Paul Mutinda and Joe Mutende back home from the streets. You responded to their cry for help.

Last week, we delivered food to this family; we paid three months’ rent arrears.  We also paid some of the school requirements for Mutinda and Mutende. Yet 1 in 8 people go to bed hungry every night….

10 years old, Vanessa Wanjiru has a dream of becoming a doctor yet she was on the streets begging for food and money to go back to school.  have to survive while dad does casual jobs to make ends meet.

Spreading the love- Time is now: In January 2016, TKW team shared
Josephine’s story after we returned her two sons, Paul Mutinda and Joe Mutende back home from the streets. You responded to their cry for help. Last week we delivered food to this family and we paid three months’ rent arrears.  We also paid some of Mutinda & Mutende’s school requirements.

Life is challenging for single mothers and their children with no regular income. Muema’s
mum needs our support. Hands up not hand outs. 

Mary Nduta shared her story passionately during a recent TKW fundraising dinner.  She said look at me, “I was raised in Kiamaiko slum, I raised my children in the slums, then my husband left me to raise 6 children on my own.  But things changed when I met TKW team.  My son Gaitano was loitering on the streets and involved with gangs. I had just lost my eldest son because of his involvement with gangs. I had lost hope and didn’t know what to do with my children who were becoming rebellious. TKW team rescued Gaitano from the streets and brought him back home to Kiamaiko slum.  They later invited me with other parents to a seminar on how to parent our children at Tumaini’s Bethany Halfway house.  They gave me hope that things could change.

Possibilities: Later they asked if there was any possibility of moving my family upcountry for the sake of my children.  I approached a relative in Gatundu and he agreed to give me a small plot of land to build a house on TKW Team raised money through their friends. They built me a house and relocated my family from Kiamaiko Slum in Nairobi to Gatundu in 2012.  A group of women from Nairobi Chapel donated second hand clothes and I started a small business.  With the little money that I was making, I could feed my children and I also started buying chicks.  With a gift of Kshs.5,000/£30, I added my chicks and my business started growing. I had to sell them due to a disease outbreak in the area. I used the money to buy a calf, built a shelter for it and gave it feeds from there. Gaitano and my other children were back to school and they gradually adjusted to their new environment.   My son, Gaitano is now 15 years old and in class 8.  He is working hard in school to achieve the best marks to join secondary school next year.” Since Gaitano joined primary school in September 2012 he has remained in position 1- 3 in his class. There is great hope that Gaitano will excel.

During a recent fundraising dinner for TKW, Mary shared her story. Mary continues, ‘My children and I are now well settled and healthy.  They all help with the household chores and farm work.  My business has grown and I recently loaned my neighbor some money from my small savings.  When he couldn’t repay it back, he offered me a goat instead.  The goat later delivered twins.  I thank God that this far he has brought me and my family.  I thank Tumaini Kwa Watoto and their friends.”

Above: The home that TKW team together with our partners built for this family

Four years ago Mary and her children were living in Kiamaiko slum. Today they are happy that they have their own house and toilet in their own small compound.  Her children are growing in a secure environment.  This family has moved from hopelessness and poverty in the slum to purposeful living.  Mary is dreaming of a better future for her and her children. Mary has made huge progress through continued counseling and support by TKW team.  Look what can happen with little resource placed in the right hands.  Mary Nduta is a hardworking mum who grabbed her opportunity with both hands.  Her local church has given this family spiritual and social support.  Mary & her children have engaged with life in their community.  Do you want to partner with us to move another families from poverty to purposeful living?  Your gift of Kshs 3,000-5,000 (£20-50) could be the difference between poverty and purposeful living.

Do you have a desire that would make you do everything in your power to pursue it? John had a strong fantasy of exploring the city of Nairobi one day to the extent of taking a risk to steal Kshs500 from his mother’s jacket for a ticket to the city.

12 year old John Mbugua grew up with his family, grandparents and his community.  Yet the actualized dream earned him a title of a street child.  TKW team found John standing next to a bus that travels to his home.  He said, “Will you help me return home?”  He had had enough of struggles on the streets. He was eager to return home in our company and had no reason for being on the streets.

John’s parents and relatives were grateful as they received him back home. His family shared that John had disappeared before. They restrained him by taking him to a boarding school which didn’t stop him dreaming of exploring the city.

John’s family didn’t his understand behaviour because the other children in this home are all doing well. ”John, why do you want to show our nakedness to the outside world?  What have we not given you?” His grandmother grilled John in a distressed voice. John had nothing to say to his grandmother’s questions. He was remorseful and apologised to his family. We pleaded with his family to give him another chance.

John is a go getter!  He had a dream of visiting the city and took the risk to pursue it.  We need to support him with counselling, education and monthly follow ups.  John is ready for a new beginning of pursuing a new dream.

With love and compassion you can impact one child, John. Each follow up visit costs Kshs 6000/£40 and we need to monitor John’s progress for the next three months. Together everyone achieves more.

I thank God every time I remember you.  I always pray for you with joy because of your partnership…” Phil 1:4-5

Just a haircut 

Vivian is a 12-year-old girl who was scampering around the streets; dirty feet from picking up dust along unpaved streets and an empty stomach. And yet, she walks, runs and plays without a care in the world.

Vivian comes from a stable family.  She does not take discipline positively and this time she was on her second week out on the streets. Her mother had shaved her hair to bring correction for keeping bad company.  But neither poverty nor parent separation that bring most children to the streets could have contributed to Vivian’s disappearance from home to the streets.

We found Vivian’s family in a concrete home in the Embu County. Her parents have had their share of hardships but that hasn’t changed their belief that with a lot of hard work and opportunity, their daughter can have a better life.

“We were trying to track Vivian’s whereabouts and right now we were going to post her photos in the nearby town. This is a miracle that just happened, Vivian is found. Maybe we have been hard on her but now we will love and try another form of discipline.”  Vivian’s mother promised.

We got a report a week later that Vivian has settled into her family and she is bonding with the other children in school. TKW will monitor Vivian’s progress for the next three months. Will you enable us to restore broken relationships?

Will the ends ever meet?

10 years old, Vanessa Wanjiru has a dream of becoming a doctor yet she was on the streets begging for food and money to go back to school.  No mum and no food, Vanessa and her two younger sisters have to survive while dad does casual jobs to make ends meet.  Will the ends ever meet?

A timid 10-year-old Vanessa says: “We lived in Nakuru up to late last year, 2015 with our mother while my father worked in a farm in Thika.  Another man often came to our home without my father’s knowledge. He would often come drunk, beat us and tell us to go find our father.  One day we decided to run away until my father came back.  My father came h0me as he did every month and didn’t find us at home. My parents had a heated disagreement.  My father was very angry and separated with my mother.  It is four months since my mother left my two younger sisters and me under the care of my father. “Vanessa’s father took charge of his family and move his three daughters from Nakuru to Thika where he works.

Vanessa was on the streets begging for food and money to supplement her father’s income as well as to pay for school requirements. It was her first day on the streets of Nairobi. A friend from the streets of Thika had brought her to beg and then go back home in the evening. We took Vanessa home to meet with her father to understand their challenges. Her father was out working, we phoned him and he shared his challenges but admitted he had no idea that his daughter was on the streets.  He promised to find his daughter another school although he is financially challenged.

Vanessa concluded “My father works hard but sometimes we go to sleep without food. I pray to God that one day my mother will come back so that we can all be a family again.

Will you help me get education?  I would like to become a doctor or a teacher and help other people especially children to get a better life.”

Vanessa needs– new school uniform and other basic school requirements like books. All these will cost Kshs.10,000 (£80). Will you partner with us to move forward Vanessa’s dream of becoming a doctor?

Adventurous 14 years old Dorcas said, “Follow me to the city.

 Dorcas shared with 11 year old Susan about their exciting venture.  “We will leave before dawn, so dress up in a pair of trousers and put our school uniform on top so that no one gets to question us.” Dorcas shared in whispers to Susan the night before and said that she knew Nairobi well. Dorcas said she had an auntie who could host them while in the city.

Both girls come from the same area, from single parents and humble background. Dorcas in class eight wanted to explore city life and needed someone to go with her. She appears confident and managed to influence 11 year old Susan, a class four girl who is shy.  “She influenced me to leave for the streets!”  11 year old Susan exclaimed. When they got to Nairobi, they couldn’t find Dorcas’ auntie. They survived for two months begging to get food, but they were still reluctant to return home for fear of being punished.

As we related with them on the streets, their hearts softened and they asked us not to leave them on the streets. “Please take us to our parents in Embu County. We know they are looking for us and they will care for us.” They said. The girls still had their books and lunch boxes as this was a plan to distract their parents.

On reaching Embu County, we found that their parents had reported of the disappearance of their children to the police station. They prayed and hoped that their children would be kept safe. The villagers streamed in to see their girls’ return.  What a joy and shock that the girls would leave their safe homes and go to dangerous places unaccompanied! “I could hardly eat nor sleep.  My heart was troubled that I might not see our girls again.” Dorcas mother tearfully.

Dorcas’ mother was grateful that the girls had been found by loving people. The girls asked to be forgiven by their parents. They were willing to resume school.  TKW team will monitor their progress for three months and seek to restore relationships with their families and community.  Your partnership is greatly appreciated.

Thanksgiving and prayers: We give thanks that these girls were removed from the streets before they got sucked to life on the streets.  Pray that they will settle back home without any huge challenges.  Pray that we will identify the right people to support them and their families.

Joel Mbutu, 12 years old:  A malnourished orphan for lack of food

Joel & his sister are orphans who live with their grandfather.  “All I wanted was some food in my stomach.  Hunger made me to venture to the streets.  Lack of food at my grandfather’s house worried me.  We used to have one meal of maize and beans at school. It was often the only meal for the day and at times my sister and I would sleep hungry.” Joel shared this as the TKW team were taking him home. His grandfather confirmed that it was his first time to be on the streets. He told us that they looked for him everywhere including reporting to the police station.  Joel was reintegrated back home by TKW team.

When there is poverty at home, children are the ones who pay the highest price of inequality among us. If we join hands together to help, each one of these children can enjoy basic necessities of life.

Joel requested us to plead for his readmission and go with his grandfather to his former school.   The school administration were happy to re-admit him. “I’m pleased with the outcome because now I have another chance to pursue my dreams.” The teachers shared about an ongoing project that started this year. The project has the local administration’s support. They will supply foodstuff to needy children.  Joel & his family will enjoy the benefits of this project.

Joel has been on the streets since last September 2015.  This was when there was a teachers strike in Kenya which meant that children stayed at home.  Joel & his sister missed the school lunch which kept them going.  Joel found it difficult to cope without the school lunch. The little food his grandfather provided was not enough to sustain him and his sister.  He thought things would be better on the streets, but things didn’t work out for Joel.

Joel requires his education needs met and other bare necessities of life. Would you consider supporting Joel’s grandfather to give his grandchildren daily food and education?

My heart weeps for such little ones.  TKW team met with Emmanuel on the streets after he run away from his paternal grandparents’ place.  He came to look for his brother and his mother.  It was a timely rescue for him because he hadn’t been long on streets of Nairobi alone. As we talked with him, we asked, “Why are you not in school?’’ Emmanuel responded by sharing his story.  This made us think about how we could help him find his way back home. Emmanuel shared with us that he was looking for his family. “I am looking for my brother and my mother. I want my mum. I wonder if someone could help me trace them.” Last week we found his mum who was happy to receive her son back but the family is very needy. She said, “I was not feeling well for some time after separation with Emmanuel’s father. Please assist me with school fees as I pick up and get organized to look for a job.”

Please partner with us to empower this family: Emmanuel, mother & her children need you.  Will you a partner with Children of Hope Tumaini Kwa Watoto to give Emmanuel hope and a future?  Emmanuel needs school uniform and school requirements of Kshs 6,000 (£42).  His mum would like to start a small business with Kshs. 10,000 (£80).

Rejection drove him to the streets…Only 10 years, Godrick Mjomba is adventurous

TKW team took Godrick for a cup of tea and Mandazi (doughnut) when they met him on the streets. He shared his reason for coming to the streets. ’’I came to find my mother.”  His mother abandoned him when he was little in a relative’s home to go look for work as a house help. Godrick’s grandparents later decided to bring him under their custody. Godrick was born out of wedlock and he does not know his father who could provide his upkeep.

Godrick has a strong desire for adventure just like any boy of his age. TKW team met him when he was fresh from the village.   It wasn’t difficult to convince him to open up and share his story.  He still had his books intact a good sign that school held a key place in his heart.

His grandparents said that his mother started rejecting him since his was born. She showed him no affection and it wasn’t a surprise that she abandoned him. Godrick has not seen his mother for four years and he had started feeling the void of a mother’s love.  After listening to him, we offered to take him back home to his grandparents.  He was hesitant for fear of being punished for leaving home without permission.  His grandfather was at home and welcomed us. “I do not understand why Godrick ran away. “Godrick’s grandfather said to us.

Godrick will go back to school soon and we will visit him regularly to help him settle at home. This costs 6,000 Kshs (£42) per every home visit. We’ll also continue to look for his mother before he embarks on mission ‘find mum’ again. Every child needs a functional family!