2013 was a fruitful year with 145 young children reconnected with their families. It is said that a tree matures in its fifth year.  With this wisdom we recently set out to check the the progress of children who were removed from the streets five years ago.

We received mixed reactions: disbelief as well as joy that our concern was still warm and annoyance that we were reminding families of a difficult time they would rather forget.  Overall the outcome was encouraging that we sparked positive change and brought hope to reluctant young people to return to school, absent parents to be more available and distant relatives to engage with struggling families.  A few children gave up and returned to the streets while others dropped out of school.  A few didn’t make it at all and are now dead and buried.  We are glad we were there to offer hope when it mattered most. Thank you for your partnership.

CELEBRATING GOD’S FAITHFULNESS!

‘’ I thank God for Tumaini Kwa Watoto for supporting me throughout the past five years. When you took me home I thought it was the end of it. When you told me that you will visit me home again, I thought that you just wanted to convince me to go home.  And yet you kept your word. You came when all was well. And you also came when I had joined bad company and was almost dropping out of school. My mother, a single mother of five children did not care whether I went to school or not. She was busy as the sole provider in the family. Dropping out of school reduced her financial burden and sometimes I had to work as a casual labourer to get money for school fees. It was at this point that I joined bad company and even started taking drugs. I did not see myself going through secondary school. At that time, TKW team visited me and paid my school fees. My life turned around and I improved in my performance tremendously.  The head teacher allowed me to remain in school without paying school fees. This helped me to study without interruption. Today I am grateful to God and TKW for making my dream come true. I got a B+ in Kenya secondary Education Exams (KSCE) and I am joining University in September.  Thank you.’’ said Richie

Njau had initial challenges after rescue but he later enrolled for a catering course in a vocational training centre.  He acquired some life skills and he is now helping his mother to manage a food kiosk as well as run errands for their small business.

Joe was a product of absent parents who were out hassling to provide for their children.  Without parental supervision, Joe continued to join other children from the slum to go to the streets to find food.  But in in 2016 he went to his grandmother’s home and continued with school. After his father’s death in 2017, Joe dropped out of school while in secondary form two.  Joe is at home helping his grandmother on their farm.  Though Joe did not complete school, his life is much better that it would have been on the streets.  He says that his main goal is to see his siblings go through school successfully.  This is what motivates him to keep farming.

KEVO struggled with life after his parents separated. His mother left her three children with their grandmother. He soon run away to the streets to make a living for himself engaging with various activities like beginning, collected metal for and working at roadside café.

On rescue, we reunited Kevo with his grandmother but also contacted his dad to engage with his children.   Shortly after, his father picked Kevo then17 years old, from his grandmother.  He became an apprentice in his father’s metal workshop and he is now skilled in metal work.  Whenever the father travels, Kevo is left in charge of the workshop. He is now a responsible adult and is surrounded by his family. 

 Never quit

Keith’s case was one that we had to persist with the unwavering support of his mother.  He was rescued in May 2013 and we embarked on a long journey of eight hours to Western Kenya.  His mother received him well in spite the rejection from her community.  She tried everything with Keith to keep him in school. But five years down the line we got a sad report that the Keith dropped out of school and he is working as a casual labourer looking after livestock. It was disheartening because we had great expectations and we had invested much into his life – those long journeys (over 350 kilometres) to encourage and counsel but now he is only earning little pay.  That’s life, we never quit or give up on any child!

Life for Etemesi was shattered.  When we rescued him November 2013 because he was afraid of meeting the person who had abused him in his mother’s absence.  But today he is preparing to sit for Kenya Certificate Primary of Education (KCPE) exams.  He lives with his grandmother and his extended family has been very supportive.

Etemesi is motivated to work hard because he wants to become a doctor. His mother still works overseas but she is in regular contact with her children.

When I could not find him…James Mugambi, 11 years old

The journey was long, the road was dusty and the matatu (minibus) was overloaded. The team could not wait to arrive at James Mugambi’s home. They were anxious to find out what made the 11 years old boy leave home and travel over 350 km to an unknown place.

He was crying as a pastor from a church in Nairobi met him at the church gate. He still broke into tears as the team met with him at Kamukunji police station where the pastor had brought him. He said that his reason for going to the streets was his teacher who had abused him verbally and physically. He had then sent him home to bring his father to school. He was scared of his father and what he would do to him. And that is when he made a decision to run away from home. He had some money with him but he walked most of the journey.

After getting home, his father was specifically happy that his son was back home. He expressed “When I could not find him, I passed by our church to pray. Our pastor said that someone is going to bring our son home. I could not believe my eyes when I saw you coming with him” Said James Mugambi’s father.

James is back to school and the issue with his teacher was sorted. We thank God for saving the life of this young boy. Who knows what would have happened to him, in the city full of predators, ready to destroy, traffic or kill innocent boys!

My mother would understand me…

Paul Makau is in class seven but he had been on and off school.  He was later transferred to a new school because the family thought he will not settle in the previous school due to pressure from both teachers and the pupils. The family did not share his history during reintegration with the TKW team but nonetheless they encouraged the family to enroll him back to school and urged Paul not to let his past negative behavior determine his course.

After first follow up, the team was given a positive report on Paul’s progress at home and in school. They also found out that Paul was in the streets due to his parents’ separation. He had been left under the care of his father who later remarried. This actually confirmed why Paul insisted that he wanted to go live his mother during rescue.

The family later had a meeting and Paul was left to live with his mother and taken to school.  He is settling well at home and in his community.

Determined to do better

Alex Wambua:  During our home visit he was not at home and was not in school but he was herding family cattle. He had been sent home for some money that was arrears from last year when he left school. The family needs to pay Kshs 4,000 for Alex to return back to school. Despite all these hurdles, Alex is settling well although his grandmother has observed that Alex’s father is very harsh toward him. The team did not meet with his father at that time but during the next follow up visit we hope to counsel his father on best ways of disciplining Alex. Alex has changed and has stopped hanging out at the shopping center. He is also going to church with other children in the family.

Alex started going to the streets through negative influence from his peers at the local shopping center. His grandmother found him in the midst of his friends smoking and because he feared his father, he ran away ending up in Nairobi where TKW team met and rescued him.

Mentor-ship camp- Empowered to Transform

Proverbs 22:6:“Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.”

***
Our young adults love school holiday camp and these young people embraced last holiday’s camp. They are enthusiastic about the opportunity for positive interaction with other young people because many of them would just stay at home. We thank our partners for sponsoring these 11 young adults to this camp. There are many temptations for young people to forget God, their creator. (Ecc.12:1).

The campers had this to say:

John “Thank you for enabling me to attend camp; Attending camp was a wonderful experience as this was my first time to go camping for a week and one that I will never forget. Thank you Tumaini for sponsoring me”

James: “One goal that this camp helped to achieve is becoming better than last term where knowledge of gospel is concerned. I honestly say this was my best time. I have never been to any other camp before and I wish I could get another opportunity like this every school holiday. I learnt a lot and met many friends who we shared a lot”.

Mwende: “I really appreciate getting to go to the camp! The counselors were really helpful! I learned systematic ways of reviewing the gospel which was very beneficial to me and talent knowledge. Thank you so much for a great holiday experience!”

Atito: “I loved the camp! I would have to say that this was the best gift this holiday. I learnt how to live peacefully with others and also made new good friends. Another lessons was on how to make right own choices and learning how to keep myself and friends safe. No matter where I go or what happens in my life, I will always have these things to remember”

Kago: “Thank you for giving me this chance in the camp. I learnt in this camp may God bless you”

Hannington: “The holiday camp was a good adventure.  I have learnt a lot through group discussions and all the pastors were friendly. I want to thank you from deepest part of my heart for this and if offered another opportunity I shall grab it with two hands”

Nduku: I have attended other camps before but none could compare with this one. Thank you Tumaini…

Humphrey: Thank you for sponsoring me to attend this camp.  I learnt many lessons. I came without faith in God but now my life has been changed as I have faith in God. I can choose good friends too who influence me in the right ways. May God bless you! Please may I have another chance next time?”

Mercy: My week was amazing. I have a lot; about God, talents and made new friends. This was such a beautiful place and I hope to come here again. The food was great, pastors and mentors were friendly. We played lots of games and discussions were helpful”

Maryann: “This camp was one of a kind; learning about God, activities that were mind opening and fun. The food was great and rooms comfortable. I had a great time here and may God bless you…

 Victor: “The mentors were amazing. They were like our older sisters and brothers that some of us do not have. They had so much wisdom to share with us as young people. I hope that I can someday grow to be like them. Thank you and God bless you for giving me such an opportunity”

***
Lesson we learnt. These young people in high school were empowered to transform. They were challenged to remember their Creator while they are still young. They studied His word and also His World as it should apply to them. They were equipped with knowledge of how to make right choices and how to balance the changes that they are going through has young adults.

       You have invested into the lives of the next generation!!!

For families slaving under the weight of despair, TKW brings Rays of Hope. Many parents struggle under the weight of responsibility. The children take the blunt of this inability to cope with life.

Rays Of Hope

In Nairobi, they scattered to different parts of the city and tiny Tony found life tough. Thinking of life back home with his grandmother gave him no hope. Therefore, he opted to find refuge on the streets though he was often worried about his grandmother.  Soon he met with TKW team who offered to walk him back home.

12 years old Tony was abandoned by his single mum and left under the care of his elderly grandmother who could not provide for basic needs. Tony dropped out of school and went collecting scrap metals for sale to get money to feed himself and his grandmother. His search for food in his local town was fruitless.  He connected with other older boys during his casual labor on the streets.  They ventured to the big city of Nairobi in search of a better life.

Tumaini team’s appearance with Tony was met with mixed reactions. His grandmother was happy to know that her grandson was alive, but she openly refused to welcome him back due her failing health and age. “How could you dare bring him home and you can see I have nothing to feed him?” Please take him wherever you want. Look at this wound, I am unable to take myself to hospital and my own sons who should be taking care of us are both married to alcoholism”. An angry grandmother shouted.  One of Kevin’s uncles offered to foster him, but his wife was not willing.

In consultation with a local leader, Tony was placed in a children’s Center for shelter and protection. Tumaini team is following up Tony’s case to find a secure family for him.

Laura- Sense of Loss and Rejection

Family is who we look to when we need help. We expect our parents to raise us, our grandparents to love us, and our brothers and sisters to always be there for us. They are our blood and we depend on that connection. When family members don’t live up to our expectations we feel abandoned.

16 years old Laura, was only 6 years old when her mother died after a short illness leaving her and young sister under the care of their grandparents.  Her father was known but not offering the support they needed. When Laura’s mother died, her father disappeared completely. Their grandparents and other relatives became their caretakers.

Laura struggled with being the older sister to her sibling; often going without school items. She started stealing from her neighbors and her grandparents. This behavior continued and her grandparents couldn’t cope anymore. They sent her to live with her aunt (mother oldest sister) in another town, but there too she continued stealing.

At one point her aunt reported Laura to a nearby police station where she was disciplined. She was moved to live with an uncle then another aunt, but the behavior continued – nobody took time to ask why she was doing it.

Laura was lost in a seemingly caring family.  Her self-esteem was low even as she completed class 8 exams. No family member wanted to host her.  She didn’t like the high school they chose for her. Laura decided to leave home and never return.

Tumaini team met her on the streets and after listening to her story, they realized that Laura was still struggling with a sense of loss.  She needed love, acceptance and a sense of belonging. She shared how her relatives could tell her off in public calling her names which made her miss her mother. She said stole to get attention and not because she was needy.  She wanted them to know her pain of living without a mother. Laura is undergoing counseling. There are many Laura’s out there and we shall continue to pursue them…

Child labor pushed him to the streets

14 years old Sylvester was sent to his aunt’s home to repeat class 8 when got poor grades. He is the first born among 4 siblings and he was living with his single mum when his aunt (mother’s sister) offered to host him to support her sister. He soon realized that his aunt wanted a house boy and not a nephew who needed help.

“My aunt treated me differently from her own children in the family. I did all the housework and was beaten if I didn’t finish.  I found it difficult to focus on my school and do the jobs given to me by my aunt.  I persisted with school for a while because I knew that was why I was there.  Life became tough and I decided it would be better to live on the streets than suffer abuse from my aunt.  I had decided not to tell my mother, so she knew nothing about it…Sylvester spent one month struggling with the street life, trying all sorts of things to survive. He often thought of home with his sibling and his mother which was better. Tumaini team rescued him from the streets, walked him to his mother was waiting. She regretted sending him to his aunt. Sylvester’s road to restoration begun after his experiences at his aunt’s home and on the streets; Life is changing for him as he is sure of a plate of food every day, comfortable sleep and most importantly able go to school. “I want to become a business man in the future, so that I can help my mother and siblings out of poverty,’’ 

Kevin: Mother rejected by in-laws after husband’s death

One parent dying is devastating; especially when the one who died was the provider. This is Kevin’s family’s story after his father committed suicide. Kevin’s father had built them a home, on the land he had inherited from his grandfather, but after his death the family rejected them. They asked his mother to vacate the land and get married elsewhere because she was young.

Kevin’s mother said: “I thought of running away to escape the wrath of these in laws, but I could not. My husband had told me not to move from the home he built for us because it was Kevin’s inheritance. It pains me that these in laws waited for my husband to die to reject us. I don’t understand why this is happening to me and my children. Whom did I wrong, or does it mean our lives are doomed?  Who and what do I have in this world to rely on? Life is very hard”. Said Kevin’s mum in tears.

However, their peace was at stake as every night there were knocks on the door from strangers. This instilled fear in Kevin and his family. His mother found a small room to rent near their home, but the knocks and threats continued. Tumaini team had rescued Kevin from the streets knowing only one side of the story why Kevin was on the streets.

“I want to go back home, but our family rejected. They told us to vacate their land and leave our home. My mother does not want to want to leave because that is my father’s land and she doesn’t want to remarry,” said 11-year-old Kevin.

Kevin had been sent home from school due to lack of school fees.  When Tumaini team rescued in 2017, he had been on the streets of Nairobi for 3 months. We are following Kevin’s case to see them settled and accepted as a family.

WAY TO GO RICHARD!

In 2017 our team of six social workers related one on one with 423 children on the streets, government rehab centers and in temporary shelters in and around Nairobi. Out of this number, 389 children agreed to go back to their families.  They have since gone back to school and are making strides into a better life, away from the harsh streets.

Our presence on the streets is a game-changer for many children.  We care, and we stop to listen.  This is how our team connected with Richard and four years on, he is full of hope.

If no one had intervened in Richie’s life, he would now be a hardened young man trying to survive on the unforgiving streets of Kenya’s capital city.

His mother and grandmother ushered the team into their house calling them ‘the good Samaritans’. The first born of a single mother, Richard had been on the streets for six months.  Together with others, he was arrested in a swoop by city children’s officers and placed in a government rehab center where TKW team met him. In October2013, we re-united him with his family. They had looked for him everywhere and even made an announcement in the local radio stations twice with no result. The local church visited the family severally to pray encouraging them that Richard would come back one day.

He was known as a bright boy, the best in his class and was also the class prefect, a teacher’s dream student.  This ’favored’ status irked his classmates, they envied Richie, and made sure he was always in trouble. When it became unbearable in school, Richard gave up. He could not take it anymore.He felt that there was no one to talk to.  He ran away from home ending up on the streets where TKW met him.

During the reunion, Richie’s mother and relatives joyfully cried out to God thanking Him for His faithfulness. “We thank God for being faithful and making it known that in this household there is a God who answers prayers”…

After a life on the streets, Richard “took a chance” with his secondary school education. Working hard through doubts and fears, wondering how his single mother would pay for his education.  Richard dropped out of school again and retreated to his home to work on ideas of how to raise enough money for his fees.   Frustrated and depressed Richard resorted to substance abuse.TKW team faithfully followed him up, counseled and supported the family. Through a one-off gift by a partner, TKW paid part of the fees enabling Richard to rejoin school.

His teachers then got together and paid fees for his final year in secondary school. With this goodwill as well as a determination to excel, Richie got down to work and studied hard.  In the 2017 final national examination, he was among the best students in his school.  He got a grade of B-. This is a direct qualification for him to join University on a government sponsorship.  He has done us proud!

As we celebrate Richie, we remember scores of children on the streets with tales of woe – just like his four years ago. Together we can change their stories – for good.

We need your support to move children away from the streets this month.  Partner through our donation page.

Your gift, of any size, will put a child on the right track.

Celebrate 2017!

You are invited to a scheduled “Live Link” when we join to the Kenya Children of Hope team in Nairobi on Friday 23rd June at 7.00 am –

8.30am.  We will be linking friends in Swansea, Truro with Nairobi.  We will be in the prayer room in Truro Baptist Church if you would like to join us or join us from the link below.  This is a great time to really understand what our team in Nairobi are doing and you can really get involved through prayer and worship and support the work directly
Topic: TKW live link of prayer and worship
Time: Jun 23, 2017 7:00 AM London

Join from PC, Mac, Linux, iOS or Android: https://zoom.us/j/112254186

Be great to see you on line this friday