What are doing to our children? – Stanley was ‘’Rescued in the nick of time.’’

Stanley said ‘My names are Stanley Mutua Kariuki. ‘’I was on the streets for less than a month until I was rescued by the Nairobi County officials.’’ Good people, “Look at the state of this child.”  A few years ago, I boarded a bus in Nairobi with a child that we had rescued from the streets who looked just like this boy. People were looking at me questioning, “How come you are smartly dressed and your child looks so filthy?” Stanley looked frail and emotionless as he limped to his seat because he was nursing a wound on his right leg after a car accident few months ago. Stanley and his brother had been living with his dad since his parents separated due to irreconcilable differences.   

 

Stanley told us that he got lost at a bus terminus when he was heading to his rural home with his older brother and cousin. He could not negotiate the streets of the city.  Fear gripped him as he got separated from his brother and cousin.  He however got a reprieve when he was rescued by the city authorities and taken to JK rehab centre. 

How saddening to see increased cases of broken families in our society leaving the children to bear the brunt as they lack parental love to emulate and nurturing which would help them become responsible citizens!

We rescued Stanley in August and reunited him with his mum.  He didn’t wanted to go back to his dad for fear of receiving harsh punishment. Stanley’s mother received the team well embracing her son joyfully like a prodigal son. She planned to contact his dad to inform him that Stanley was safe with her.  Stanley was readmitted to school in September as his mother had promised. We have planned meeting to try and reconcile Stanley’s parents at the same time monitor his progress.

 

During a recent follow-up, Stanley’s mum was elated to see the team who she appreciated for keeping their word.   She reported that she had reunited her son with his dad after contacting her husband.  Stanley’s dad said he had also been looking for him. She also reported  that she has sought the help of her relatives to visit her former matrimonial home where they had a cordial meeting.  They are working toward reconciling Stanley’s parents for sake of Stanley and his siblings’ safety. The process of restoration begins from the streets and continues in the communities.  It is crucial to equip and empower the parents and their communities.

 

Stanley got lost while caught between visiting his mother leaving his father behind.    Let the fathers’ hearts turn to their children and the  hearts of children turn to their fathers.  Only then will the nation experience the real Jubilee blessing.  Children get their identity from their fathers. Where does Stanley belong? 

Stories like this bring tears to my eyes as the photos tell the real story of poverty and struggle. Let’s arise together to restore the family for the sake of the future generations.