Why does a mother abandon her child?

Alex Muturi Aged: 12 year old asks.

Sad, confused, hurt, and numb:- There are many reasons why children wind up on the streets  but no reason is good. Promises of security, sense of belonging, desperation and many more pave the road to the streets. In Alex’s case it was all of those. When he was met by the TKW team, he spoke of his life before joining the streets as a time of suffering, abusive and discrimination.

“When I needed a mother, she was not there to talk to me about life. I started running away at the age of 9. I felt like my mother didn’t want me around. She never showed me love and affection so I turned to the streets.” My mum once told me “you will have to go look for your irresponsible father or else you become like him one day…we cannot live in the same house. It is either you go or I will go…” she followed through with what she said. I was at school when I came home and the house was empty. She had relocated without me. My whole life crumbled and nothing else mattered anymore. Our family was shattered!!!” He still had his school uniform several months later on the streets since his mother’s disappearance.

As the TKW team related with him, Alex kept asking them why his mother moved far away, and it made his tears flow. However, he was ready to go back to his extended family and he agreed to take the team to his grandparents place. However, the most unjust part is that the journey to Alex’s grandparents’ home began on the streets.

“I knew my grandparent loved me but had no way of travelling there and thus joined the streets as one who had no family. Meeting TKW team helped Alex get his life together. They convinced him that he was worthy to live life as a productive member of society and he was not a bad person. Alex was ready to go home to his grandparent. After months on the streets, his heart had begun the journey of healing. He always looked forward to a time he could give a real smile.

Alex was reunited with his grandfather who was pleased to see his grandson. His grandmother had passed on several weeks earlier.

“We have been trying to trace Alex since the day we were informed that the mother had relocated leaving her son behind and today we are grateful,” Alex’s grandfather concluded

For Alex, leaving the streets was not easy and life at home isn’t easy either. But one thing is sure: He has a second chance. His dream is that he will have a new story for his life, continue with his education and pursue his dream. His current family is needy and may not be able to provide for his basic needs but he has a roof on his head.

Alex needs a new school uniform which will cost 2000Kshs, other school requirements of 4000Kshs, basic needs every other month of 3000Kshs. Follow up visits to Alex to monitor his progress 6000Kshs/£50 per visit.

TKW Team is encouraged that Alex and 20 others are off the streets and back home with their families in February 2016. Kindly partner with us bring healing to Alex and help him to start dreaming again

“IT’S BY GOD’S GRACE THAT WE LIVE.” said the two boys’ mum

Brothers: 12 years old Joseph Mutinda & 10 years old Paul Mutende     

TKW team met Josephine through her two sons after they strayed from home, ending up on the streets and were rescued. She is terminally ill and shared with us that the illness had progressed significantly toward the end of last year making her health to deteriorate. Her husband had just passed away from the same illness. Her relatives deserted her and took away every possession they owned.

“It hurt me because they carried away everything and sold the land my late husband had left for us leaving us with only the cooking sticks, pots and  knives.” “There was nothing left for me and my 6 children…” The days that followed were even more difficult, “I don’t how we have survived with rent to pay, children to feed, and no income at all. It’s by God’s grace that we live.” Josephine said. 

Josephine and her children then moved into a one room rental house.  This one room is their kitchen, dining room and bedroom for her, 3 daughters below 8 years and 3 sons below 15 years old.  Josephine told to us how her 2 sons ended up on the streets without her realizing and this too has added to her stress. She is a mother who passionate about her children and with a soft voice she told the team: “My sons, Mutinda and Mutende became explorers. They began visiting the markets to look for fruits and bringing left overs food home for us to eat. I couldn’t stop them. They were genuinely helping me but when they disappeared for a month I started worrying. The chief had even warned me but I had no one to help me. All my children want is to be in school but I was unable to pay their school fees and buy them new uniforms.” Josephine admitted

Mutinda & Mutende were happy to be back home and their mother gladly received her children. We pleaded with the Head Teacher to give these two boys a chance as we find a solution as to how this family could be supported. Their mother does casual work of washing other people’s clothes but the doctor warned her that spending much time in the water is affecting her health.

This family need their basic need met.  “See all these medication and without a balance diet, will I live to see my children grow up?” Asked Josephine sadly, showing us her medication.

Josephine is part of a local women’s support group that looks out for each other.  She also pleaded with us to assist her financially to begin a grocery shop instead of washing clothes for people. She said the cost of the small business £100 to start and this would enable her stay healthier to take care of children. 5 of her children are ready for school and some who dropped out of school like Mutinda and Mutende and needs school uniforms costing £60.  The monthly rent for the single room is £20.  Please walk with this family for six months with a monthly gift of £25 to help Josephine gain her health, set up her business and care for her children.  Regular support will enable Josephine to build her business and save her profit to grow the business. Restoring and empowering families giving children a secure future!

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We rushed from one supermarket to the next, from one family to another carrying good news! Smiles and tears of joy flowed freely.  One family didn’t know what they were going to eat that day. TKW encounters families living in poverty and lack of basic needs most of their lives. But many of them received food buckets which will enable them to experience the true essence of Christmas season – sharing love in action, laughter and joy. You, our partners brought smiles and joy to families with a Bucket-Full of shopping!

Response from the families: “You are messengers of hope!”

Emmanuel Kiprono’s father: “Thank you for making my son’s Christmas wishes comes true. My son slept with an empty stomach last night. There are no words to describe how grateful I am for everything you have done for my family. You have brought joy to us this Christmas. We’ll celebrate because someone cared enough to share. I send more love to your families than your hearts can contain.”

Martin Mwangi’s aunt…“I am humbled by the kindness of people who do not even know us. It leaves me with mixed feelings both happy and sad and wishing I was in the position of giving rather than on the receiving end.”

Stephen Karuga’s mother:”We have no words to express our gratitude. You are so kind and you put so much love and effort into the shopping. Everything looks like a dream. This is amazing! Thank you for giving us this memorable Christmas!”

Wekesa’s family:”There are no words to describe the feelings of gratitude upon receiving your gifts for my family. This blessing is overwhelming. This is just what our family needed. I was not expecting such love and kindness.”

Stephen Njoroge: “We will always remember your generosity. You are an inspiration for others to do good in the community. I hope one day we will be able to give back to other families in need. Thank again you for supporting us because you have saved my family when we had nothing!”

Martin Kangethe’s mother: “Without the kindness and warmth from of Angels like you, I can’t imagine what a sad Christmas my children would have. Thank you for your kindness in enabling me gives my children a chance to continue to believing in a God who provides.”

Joseph Kamau’s family:”My children and I appreciate the effort that you have made in this busy and often stressful time of the year. We appreciate not only the generous gifts but the time you taken to walk from the supermarket in order to do shopping for us.”

Anthony’s mother: “The thought of whether I would be able to make Christmas celebration happen was stressful. Thanks to all your thoughtful gifts, I thank God that that stress has been replaced with tears of joy. You have made a difference in our lives and I am eternally grateful. Your kindness has made all the difference. I thank God for you”

Hilary’s family -“We are in shock for your generosity with all this shopping…. Honestly, I cannot put into words how grateful we are to you for reaching out to us this holiday season and making our Christmas a wonderful and memorable time. My husband and I had a difficult year financially and it would have been a sad Christmas for our three children.”

Celebrate, it’s Christmas.  Care to share, it’s a season of goodwill to all men.  TKW team brought good news with bucket-fulls of food that many of these families could only dream of.  Together we made their dreams come true!  “Thank you for giving us this memorable Christmas.” Said one family.

That smile tells his story.

Dominic Nderitu comes from a very poor background and in an environment where only animals should survive.  He lives with his father and grandmother along the corridor of Samburu game reserve in Laikipia which is undeveloped and sparsely populated.  One has to walk for long distances to get to school, health facilities, communication, and access to the road and water.  Dominic has been at home for three years which says a lot about his commitment to stay at home and pursuing his education. He has three siblings, an older brother who does casual jobs in Nairobi and a sister who is sponsored by the Presbyterian University. His family used to live in a slum in Nairobi that caught fire and they lost everything. They moved to Laikipia in central Kenya as squatters because they don’t have their own land. Later his mother fell sick and passed away. His father too fell sick and was in hospital for four years and his health has never recovered and he can only do light work.  Dominic and his father rely on his elderly grandmother for basic needs.   Although he sometimes goesfor days without food, he hasn’t missed school for a day for the last three years or run away.  He is an average student but he has the potential to do better given the opportunity. He will be sitting for his final primary exam to enable him to join high school next year.  He needs education sponsorship to pursue further education and break from his family’s poverty cycle.

Tumaini Kwa Watoto has helped 10 young people settle back with their families who are working hard to pass their primary school exams next month and aspiring to join high school in 2016. They are determined to achieve their dreams….just waiting for the community to stand with them.  It takes a community to raise a child.  You can be part of their community to enable them to pursue their dreams. Only £50/$77 a month for four years will make it happen!

Here’s a wonderful opportunity for you to empower Dominic through education. Your partnership will make a significant difference in his life, the lives of his family and community.  By investing in the life of this determined young man you become part of his journey of hope.

Together changing lives of orphans and vulnerable children for good – moving them from poverty to purpose. An opportunity for you to leave a lasting mark on the life of a young person. That’s how together we can change our world.

David and Tony

Timely gifts: David said, “I cannot thank Tony enough for this kind gesture and wished him blessings upon his life”. Tony is a friend from UK who visited David at home and he was touched by the state of his humble background. Tony offered to buy David a pair of shoes and a text book that he needed to focus on his academic work.

David suffered rejection when his mother got married to a man from a different tribe. We found him on the streets of Nairobi and rescued him in 2013. When we met him on the streets, we established that he was a product of a cross cultural marriage which hadn’t worked. David didn’t bond with his step father Mr. Odour so his mother took him to his grandmother Zainab Wanja Mutua who gladly accepted her grandchild. David’s family network runs across eastern, central and Rift valley provinces of Kenya which unsettled him.

David has shown tremendous improvement on his journey of restoration. His grandmother Zainab is full of praise for him. He runs errands and other chores as requested. He has become useful to his grandmother. He is in form one in secondary school and working towards shaping his dream. His teachers are assisting him to improve his grades. He has also shown commitment to school and does not miss unless unwell.

David during rescue and reintegration

David got his gifts of shoes and text book when he came for the ‘Inspire & Empower Mega Celebration Event’ on 18^th-20th August held at Bethany halfway house. He joined 41 other young people who attended this memorable event. His joy was evident as he went home wearing his new shoes. He said,” I cannot thank Tony enough for this kind gesture and wished him blessings upon his life.”

We hope that he will live up to the change which has been initiated into his life. For it would be wonderful to see this translated into usefulness in the lives of others in his generation and beyond.

A thank you note to Tony from David Gatete:

Tony’s challenge – 4 days that make a world of difference…

Tony Sanders’ first pictures on streets of Nairobi with Tumaini Kwa Watoto -Children of Hope – August 2015. What a challenging job and such amazing boys. Just in the wrong place!! Look at these smiling faces, what a difference it will make to move them from the streets back to their families where they belong. See Collins’s story.

It seemed like a joke when Tony Sanders said he was going to Kenya as part of Interserve’s corporate social responsibility (CSR), “Give a Day Relay Challenge”. Tony hit the ground running on August 6^th, out on the streets with TKW Team and then to JK Hall rehab centre! Tony is determined to raise more than £2500 to walk more children back to home. Setting lonely children into families and restoring families to God’s order is TKW’s mission.

This is Tony’s third visit to Kenya, partnering with Tumaini Kwa Watoto. Last year, Tony was part of Kernow team from Truro Baptist Church that raised funds and spent two weeks renovating Bethany Halfway House – a place of hope and transformation, dreams come alive as children are rehabilitated.

13 year Collins was quickly learning survival skills of street life. When TKW team met him at Muthurwa, his clothes looked cleaner when compared with other boys, which made it easy to pick that he was a recent arrival on the streets. It took time to build his trust, but as we related with him, he gained confidence and opened up.

Collins said’ ’I was brought to Thika by my father against my wish.’ His father who is a bus driver works in Thika, 42 kms from Nairobi. Collins used to live with his mother at their upcountry home in Homa Bay County, western Kenya. His father noted that he was lagging behind in his school work and looked for a school in Thika near where he worked to closely monitor Collins’ progress. But he didn’t share his plan with Collins until they arrived in Thika,

Soon, Collins was enrolled in school where he stayed for a short time. He didn’t adjust well to the new environment living with his dad. He started missing school without his father’s knowledge. He would wake up in the morning, prepare to go to school, put a change of clothes in his bag to change into when he got away from home. Collins had been on the streets for only 2 weeks when TKW team met him rescued him and took him back home.

Collins’ father was furious with Collins as he told TKW team that he didn’t know what else he could do for his son because he had tried all means. Somehow, the team managed to cool his temper and to convince him that Collins was ready to go back to school. We also counselled Collins on the importance of focusing on his education to get him on the road to maximising his potential.

Finally, Collin’s was back home and ready to go back to school. He said, “I’m glad to be back home, east or west, home is best.” TKW team looks forward to visiting him to monitor his progress.

It is for children like Collins that Tony is sacrificing his comfort to raise more than £2500. Supporting Tony’s initiative will mean that TKW team will walk 10 children back home and walk alongside their families for three months! Can Tony count on you to raise more than £2500? Tony is somewhere in this picture, can you spot him? Thank you for supporting this initiative and walking lost and lonely children back home!

Can you imagine how 10 year old Stephen survived on the streets for a month? He’s just a child who needs his parents. But then Stephen opened his heart to Tumaini Kwa Watoto (TKW )team and shared his story. “My mother and my father separated and we moved to my grandmother’s place with my mother. I missed my dad. A friend encouraged me to join him on the streets where there was lots of money. We came to see the city but I soon realized that this was not a good place.” As we listened to Stephen, we planned a quick rescue before he got glued to the life on the streets.

One would say that Stephen is a hyperactive boy, possibly to cover his hurts or maybe he was just being a 10 year old. At home we met his supportive mother and a grandmother who usually take turns to take care of Stephen.

His mother said she works in a restaurant but she said little about his father only that he is working far away in Mombasa.

During reintegration she was very unhappy with Stephen and wondered what he would do next. She recalled the ordeals she had gone through while looking for him. “On realizing Stephen had gone missing I went to the Children’s Office at a nearby Police station to report because I was worried for my son.” She said. But she calmed down and together we agreed on a constructive way forward.

Stephen’s face brightened up on seeing his friends from TKW paying him a visit two weeks later. He had agreed to settle at home and report to school in class two. He was smartly dressed in his school uniform. His mother reported that she had experienced positive change in Stephen’s attitude – This is TRANSFORMATION IN PROGRESS. Stephen’s family is facing financial challenges and they are unable to pay Stephen’s school fees/requirements of 5500Kshs/£50 that need to be paid before the end of July when the term ends. He needs regular support as he settles back home. Stephen misses his dad and his support. What is a 10 year old to do?

These are some of the challenges that push the children to the streets – poverty, absentee fathers and upheaval that come with family breakdown, etc. We seek to get the child back to school and find a way to empower the family. Education sponsorship enables the child to return back to school while our equipping parents program seeks to put structures in place to support the family.

It costs £250 to rescue one child and monitor his progress for three months. Depending on the state of the family, many families need regular financial support up to 6 months. Your gift of £20 a month for six months will give this family regular income enabling them to meet their basic needs as they seek sustainability. Will you commit to partner with this family to keep Stephen off the streets and on to a bright future ahead?

Elvis’ experience on the streets left him thinking through his future. When TKW team met him, he always seemed to be in deep thought. Then one day, Elvis Mathaai said, “Mwalimu (teacher) I ran away from home because I didn’t really like the new school my mum transferred me to at the start of the year.”

As a form 2 student, Fanaka High school was not Elvis’ choice but his parents felt this new school would help him improve his performance. Unfortunately Elvis and his parents didn’t discuss the transfer and Elvis attended school for the first term without raising any suspicion. Some children just need a bit of convincing that the decision their parents make is in their best interest. Elvis benefitted greatly from the counseling we gave him as we befriended him on the streets and plans to walk him home were put into place.

Negotiating a child’s future is part of what we do at TKW. Elvis asked to express to his parents on his behalf that he was ready to settle at Fanaka High School and focus on his studies.

Two weeks after we reintegrated him back home, we visited Elvis at home and school. We were glad to meet a transformed Elvis and with a changed of perception concerning the school. His mother made these comments: “My son has not been a truant and my wish was just to see him again and listen to what his challenges were at the school. He is a bright boy and I am sure that he will excel in his studies. Once again Thank you Tumaini Kwa Watoto for bringing my son home safely because another person could have taken advantage of him.”I also thank God for answering my earnest prayers to bring my son back home, she continued.

Elvis & his parents are in a new place working through their challenges. Negotiating the future of each child is important. Empowering the child to negotiate his future is means impacting the next generation. Passing on negotiating skills to the parents is what TKW does through Equipping Parents Community Program (EPCP). Crucial partnerships are needed to expand this important program because it’s benefitting children, families and communities. This must mean only one thing, a more secure nation. Will you partner with TKW to equip more parents and impact more children and their communities?