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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

‘Thank you so much for this gift’, says Karanja, grandmother

 

It was over a year ago when we rescued Joseph Karanja.  He looked weak and sickly, but very happy to be going home. He was excited to be served ‘real’ food and sleep in a comfortable bed, after sleeping on the streets for months. He had a persistent cough at night and we assumed it may have been caused by exposure to cold or allergy while on the streets and so we bought him antihistamine tablets.  

The journey home was smooth and but there was no one to welcome us home.  Some kind neighbours quickly offered to send a child to go fetch Karanja’s grandmother.  The joy of having her grandson back home was evident.  She said that she’d been Karanja’s guardian since he was three when his mother died of HIV/AIDS.  She added that Karanja had the same condition and that’s one of the reasons why she was worried about his disappearance to the streets.

We visited Karanja recently to check how he was doing. The great news is that he is back to school. His teachers say he is changed and working hard. Karanja is focused on his future but he expressed his challenge of living in a small and dusty house.  They needed a room for him. Together with our partners, they now have a three bed-room house. Karanja’s family lived in the mud built house to the right…. but they recently moved to this…Lifting their reproach and shame in the community.

Thank you so much for this gift, says Karanja’s family.  With partnership we go further.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jimmy’s story is beyond what words can express.

Who would have expected to see such joy and pain mixed together? As we got off the bus at Kangemi stage, a suburb of Nairobi Jimmy led the way through the market to his home. He is a quiet, calm, thirteen year old boy from the Democratic Republic of Congo. As we followed him, there was a sudden shout by the women “Hi young boy, stop there and do not try to move. Where have you been? Furaha (means joy) has been looking for you everywhere.” The voice of one woman sounded like Jimmy had committed a crime before running to the streets. We calmed down the gathering crowd and sought clarity. Briefly one woman explained that Jimmy’s mother Furaha was one her regular customers.  She said that Furaha one day broke down in tears as she narrated to them how she had walked everywhere looking for her son.

We requested one of them to accompany us to Jimmy’s home. It was a long walk, but these two ladies accompanied us and pointed to a poster bearing Jimmy’s details and contacts. As we entered the gate, Jimmy’s mother sprinted towards us. She was crying, screaming and calling out his name! Jimmy stood still, terrified and filled with confusion because he did not expect this kind of welcome.   Furaha embraced her son and both fell to the ground. Jimmy’s father came out crying as well and picked Jimmy up from his mother as we tried to calm the parents suggesting to them to thank God for Jimmy’s return.

Jubilation, singing, prayer took place. Jimmy’s parents shared with us how he left home. As a team, we were greatly encouraged to see the family embrace their son and prayed for total restoration of their relationship. This was very refreshing especially to see the joy of the family on receiving their lost and found child.  This kind of joy is what takes us back to the streets again and again to rescue another child – every child needs a family.

 

Here is a video that captured the reaction of Jimmy’s family when they first saw him.

Warning, the video might be distressing for some viewers.

 

‘Never again’, said Samuel

Have you ever lost a child?  We lost one of our boys when he was five for five long minutes in London.  It’s an experience not to be repeated.  If you are lost, it doesn’t matter whether you’ve been lost for a day, a week, a month or a year.   That’s why Jane, a hard working mother could not help asking Samuel, “My son, why would you run away to the streets while I am still alive?” with a voice filled with deep agony. But the question on Samuel’s mind as they got closer home was, “What will my mother say when I return home?” These are heart searching questions with no easy answers.  A week on the streets is a long time when this is not your lifestyle. He told us, “I have always obeyed my mother but I was influenced to go to the streets by one of my best friends”.

Jane, Samuel’s mother was glad to see her son alive and well, unable to fight back the tears of joy trickling down her face. She had enlisted the help of the entire village of Thingati to help her look for her son.

Shesaid, “I was sick with worry as I agonized over the loss of my child.  Now I need to move on and get Samuel into vocation training”.  Jane is a hard working mother who is able to cater adequately for her family.   Her first born is joining university while the second born will be doing his A levels exams this year.  Samuel is a bright young man who is determined to study hard to get the technical skills that he needs become a blessing to his family and a responsible citizen. We pray that God will establish and restore Samuel to his family.

 

Fear of punishment led him to the streets:

Klein Oketch

disappeared from home because he could not explain how money disappeared while he was playing with his friends in his house. Klein panicked took to the streets leaving his father, Mr.Oketch searching for his son every night after work but all in vain.  All that Klein needed was someone to accompany him and plead on his behalf. On arriving back home, he found that his father had forgiven him and wanted him back home. Klein’s father has financial challenges so we pleaded with the school head-teacher to allow Klein back to school who waived part of the school fees making it easier for Klein to resume school. Klein and his family are working on the way forward.

Samuel & Klein say, ‘Street life, never again’.  For the process of restoration for Samuel and Klein, we require a minimum of 3 follow up visits spreading over 3 months which will cost Ksh 8,000/£80/$12.  Klein’s family will need support to keep him in school.  Together we can do it.

Catherine is 12, alone and lonely having lost both parents, grandparents and Aunt Rose whose addiction to alcohol led her to the streets.  We had to snatch her from the streets to a safe place.  “…caring for the orphans…in their distress…” leading to purposeful living.  Will you?

Catherine was born in Siaya County, near Lake Victoria, an only child of Boniface Odhiambo and Evelyn Achieng. She lost her father in 2010 at a tender age of nine years.   Catherine’s mum decided to go to Nairobi in search of greener pastures, leaving her daughter under the care of her grandparents.  Evelyn had promised to come back for her daughter when she got a job but this was not to be, she did not return home.

Catherine continued with her education while living with her grandparents who soon died leaving her under the care of various relatives.  But soon help was at hand. Her aunt Rose Otieno came to her rescue brought her to Nairobi and took her to a good school. But Aunt Rose lost her job leaving her very desperate this led Rose to seek solace from drinking which developed in to addiction making her abandon the responsibility of taking care of Catherine. Under all these circumstances, Catherine was no longer enjoying being a child like all other children. She would cook for herself and her aunt when food was available.  Without a job and alcohol addiction, Aunt Rose was no longer able to pay Catherine’s school fees.  Catherine dropped out of school and ended up on the streets to escape her aunt’s beatings.

We found a sad looking Catherine on the streets of Huruma estate in Nairobi in a desperate state. She was ready to go back to her relatives in Siaya.  We rescued her and travelled to Siaya.  There was joy and jubilation when her uncle’s wife saw us after an overnight journey to Seme, Siaya, she could not believe that her niece was back. They embraced each other “hello gamano nyasae” meaning thank you God.  Catherine was back home where she belongs.  One follow-up visit to Siaya will cost Ksh8455/=/$100/£80. Five people giving a monthly gift of £8/Kshs 1,200/$10 for three months will enable TKW Team to monitor Catherine’s progress. Educate a child.  Empower him/her for life. “…caring for the orphans…in their distress…” leading to purposeful living.  Will you?

Week 28 July 12, 2013

 

 

This could be your child – just like that, he disappears without any trace for months and then strangers bring him back!  Joseph Omondi had left home without arguing with anyone and without permission, influenced by his best friend.  Listen to Joseph’s mother’s reaction as we approached his home. She emerged from the main house screaming and running towards her son. We were startled at first at the gesture since we thought Joseph’s parents would be angry with him. Joseph’s mother embraced her son as she made ululations as tears streamed down her cheeks. ”Nyasaye 

Nyasaye Nyasaye ber ber…. (God, God, God you are so good),” These were her words as she looked closely to make sure it was truly her son. Joseph was clinging tightly to his mother’s embrace. He was definitely happy to be home.  As this was happening Joseph’s father had such a sparkle in his eyes, his son was back. “You must be angels sent to answer our prayers,” said Joseph’s father. Joseph asked for forgiveness from both his parents.

Everything came to a standstill.   Joseph’s siblings sat gazing at him and when their eyes met Joseph’s they would smile. They told him how they had missed him and urged him not to leave them again. Joseph promised them that he will not leave home again.  

Joseph’s dad ushered us into the house where Mr. Owino their church elder was seated. Arriving at Joseph’s family home at this time was not a coincidence because they had called Mr Owino to join them to pray for their son’s return. They rejoiced that their son had returned home safe and sound.  It was a thanksgiving day and the family was happy to receive their son and Mr. Owino their church elder offered to be Joseph’s mentor.

 

We thank God for this happy reunion. Many children like Joseph desire to go home it costs Kshs.10,000/£80/$120, especially if a child has come from as far such as Western Kenya.  A small price to pay to make so much difference – Only Kshs1,000/£8/$12a month when 10 people get together. Together we can bring joy to many more families as lost children return back home.  Happy people are productive.  Let’s together to restore joy to our communities, one family at a time.

 

A sign of hope – family meeting

Remember our recent story of a 10 year old John who felt he needed to take up a father-figure role to support his mum. As TKW Team we believe in building support systems for the sake of every child’s restoration. After listening to John’s mum, Gakenia, we felt the need to call a family meeting that would include the community leaders.  John’s mum had high expectation as the outcome for this day.  For Gakenia this was a sign of hope that her husband Peter will take up his fatherly responsibilities.  She put on her best outfit as she anticipated her husband’s arrival.

On their way back from school, John and his siblings skipped on the hills of Kangaita village, Nyeri because they had heard that their dad was coming back home.

 

“It has been more than six months since he visited us,” said Gakenia in a sad tone to TKW Team. TKW Team understood that Peter, John’s dad had neglected his fatherly duties of providing for his family.  This family meeting was called to address these identified needs including Peter and Gakenia’s separation and provision for the family.  Suddenly, there was pin drop silence then we saw the children running towards the gate as they screamed, “Daddy, daddy!” Peter was carrying a bag which he dropped to embrace his children John and Njoki.  Gakenia went to embrace and welcome her husband. Peter was given time to settle down because he had travelled from Nakuru where he worked.  Gakenia’s pastor opened the meeting with prayer and then the purpose of meeting explained from Peter’s absence from home, support for his children to an agreed strategy for an income generating activity. John and his inseparable sister were out playing and we could hear them giggling.

Peter agreed to send regular support to his family and that other matters would be addressed gradually. The community leaders agreed to rally behind this family to make sure that Peter put his family into order. We hope to see Peter & Gakenia reunited and family restoration.

 

“Waa……an attendance of 66 pastors and parents! Equipping Pastors Community Program was in full swing and hope was rising concerning the plight of children on the streets. They had seen the need but they didn’t know how to respond to it.  TKW team went to the community to raise awareness following increased number of children from Kisii and its environs coming to the streets of Nairobi. They therefore sought to address the problem from its source. “How was this going to be done?” We asked, “The answer lies with the church, the people of Kisii and through equipping them with the tools for dealing with the problem”.

 

“Before we used to look for a quick solution by giving these children a coin, offer andazi   (doughnut), conducting a one-time feeding program or just pass without showing any emotion.” These were some of the comments from the group gathered at A.C.K Kisii branch. They settled quickly and were all keen to jot down points in their note books. As the training came to an end, questions streamed in.  Some of them had rescued and reintegrated children with their families and were greatly encouraged.  We had come to equip them with tools and emphasize the need for the church to take up the responsibility of being a voice for the children on the streets as well as gate keepers for their children.

With reported 3000 children on the streets of Kisii, we prayed that there will be an out-pouring of God’s anointing as the Pastors strategized to go out and do what Matthew 25:40 says, “….when you did it to one of the least of these…”.  Some of the participants were father-figures and elders in their communities and this training was timely. They planned to go and teach their congregations what they had learned and together participate in the restoration of children from Kisii. TKW team came back to Nairobi exhausted but thankful and anticipating a great harvest of children within Kisii

 

Equipping the church in Kitale

TKW was encouraged as 70 participants gathered for equipping pastors and parents’ community seminar.   This training was planned after prior visits that indicated that Trans-Nzoia County had an increase in the number children on the streets. As one of TKW team talked about the plight of children on the streets, you could hear a pin drop as they listened. The eager group asked questions, sought clarity because they had seen children loitering in their market places, wearing filthy, tattered clothes, picking rotten food and begging from the villagers of Kolongolo area. Some of these participants did not know how to respond to this situation and this training was timely. They expressed the desire to engage in the rescue of a child and to walk alongside them and their families.  They were willing to unite and address this issue. We expect to hear positive reports of the rescued children and being restored back to their families through this group of eager local people.

Equipping parents and pastors community program has been made possible through partnerships.  Together everyone achieves more. If you and your ten (10) friends gave £10/$12/ Kshs.1,500/- each for six (6) months, this would enable us to rescue and restore two children and their families, making them sustainable.

 

‘Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves…’ Boaz talked passionately about his village as we embarked on the journey to his home and he was excited about meeting his family. He knows a lot about indigenous ways of farming around his home area and shared with us non-stop about his community on our way to his home. He also told us, ‘You have given me a voice when I was voiceless’ Boaz was pleased that we were accompanying him to plead his case with his guardian. He left home for the streets after a misunderstanding with his guardian and then he ran away from school without permission.

 

He had often contemplated going home but was fearful of his guardian’s response.
The intelligent and happy 14 year old Boaz was referred to TKW Team by Kitale District Children’s Office after being found loitering on the streets of Kitale town. The District Children Officer promised to follow up Boaz’s case with his guardian. We later proceeded to reintegrate him with his family on 5th April 2013. Boaz apologized for his running away and admitted his mistakes. He also asked his guardian for forgiveness and was received with much joy.
Boaz’s parents left him under the care of his cousin while they live and work in Ruiru in Central Kenya. His guardian said that his parents wanted to give him the best education and therefore put him in a boarding school in Kitale, Kolongolo. Although Boaz has resumed school and he is settling well with his guardian, he is missing his parents’ love and care. The distance from Boaz’s school and where his parents live takes a day to travel on public transport. During our follow-up visits, we will seek to understand why his parents have left him in his cousin’s care instead of living with him as an only child.
Boaz’s family is not dysfunctional but there are issues that led him to the streets and need to be addressed. We are here to speak up for children like Boaz. We would appreciate partnerships for team support and follow-up expenses to restore relationships between Boaz and his family.

 

Brian Wekesa is the kind of boys on the streets who could steal from you.  He looked restless, his clothes were grimy but his rare smile was gripping.  With his kind of smile you could find yourself surrounded by a group of other boys who would strip you of your possessions in the middle of city.  That’s why you need to care and share his story. He said he had been on streets for 2 years.  As he began to trust us, he told us that he had found it very difficult to cope with life on the streets and he looked downtrodden with no hope to cling on.

Tumaini Kwa Watoto team knows how to deal with Brian’s kind of situation.  Your investment in the team is investment in boys like Brian. He desired to go back home to his family but did not have the courage to go home.  His older brother had lured him to run away from home out of disobedience.  Brian also shared that he left home because life unstable due to misunderstanding between his parents. We continued to encourage him that with God there was hope for a new start.

When Brian was ready to go home, Tumaini team was there to walk with him.  He was now ready to ask for forgiveness and to be reconciled with his mother.  On our way to Brian’s home we met his younger brother, Boniface who was coming from school. They recognized each other and hugged in joy. This was a humbling experience and an encouragement to see that Brian was loved by his family. Boniface led us to their new home where we met his mother.  Brian was ready to build with his family again.

Dear partners, to bring children like Brian to a place where they decide to return home to their family takes hard work.  Much more resources are needed to reconcile and restore relationships between these children and their families. Tumaini team members relentlessly pursue children on the streets and in government rehab centres.  Your investment of finance, spiritual and emotional support of the team is investment in boys like Brian.   As we invest resources into the lives of children, let’s also invest in the lives of those who labour day and night to see children, families and communities getting on with their lives.  The team that rescued Brian had to travel overnight for 8 hours to get to Brian’s home. Your investment means that Brian is no longer on the streets begging or stealing from unsuspecting people. Please care to share.