Story of the Week
What happens when a child is left by those closest to his heart at a very young age? This happened to John Odhiambo, who was an only child at the time of his parents’ demise. Fortunately, his compassionate uncle took him in to stay at their home and has been committed to make his nephew live a happy life.
‘’I have been worried together with my entire family that at one particular time was scared that he is no more!” the uncle stated sadly when we took John back home.
We met John at a rehabilitation centre where he had been rescued by the city inspectorate officers from the streets. The team related with him to find out how he ended up on the streets and John shared he had been on the streets for more than a year! This was astonishing because it seemed so far-flung.
After relating with him and giving adequate counselling on the downsides of the street life, he accepted to be taken back home to his uncle where we reintegrated him a few weeks ago.
It was heart-warming to meet John’s uncle who was elated to see his nephew back. He narrated to us that despite challenges at home, he tried his best to fend for his family. As we tried to find the reasons for the boy running to the streets, the uncle explained that John had adapted withdrawal behaviour where he could not blow the problem even as he tried to reach out to him. He had initially thought that he missed his parents; but continued to pray with his wife over him. The Family is committed to see John flourish and his school readmission process is on-going as we plan to make continuous follow up to the family.
We are thankful that through your partnership, we are able to rescue such boys who would have spent a lifetime on the hopeless streets.
