HOPE: FOR FAMILIES PUSHED TO THE EDGE

HOPE: For families pushed to the edge

Loss of income is devastating families in poverty, without work and no food on the table, making it hard to comply with government health advice. Most families depend on casual, low paid or unstable work and when a crisis like this happens, many have lost their jobs and have nothing to fall back on.

Sadly, some homes are not always a safe haven, in times of financial stress.   Many children as forced to join the streets and that is why we keep going and keep calm in this storm because every child matters.

During this covid-19 crisis, we have been there to support the poorest household with food and some cash to boost their livelihood. For children forced to study from home, we have bought educational materials for them. With this initiative we ensure that children, the most vulnerable family members are stopped from returning to the streets, safe and protected.

EVERY CHILD HAS A STORY…

92 children have been removed from the streets and reunited with their families by community volunteers.

Here’s a snippet….

Mwai says: ‘I have been in the streets for 2 months. The main reason that brought me to the streets is money. I wanted to look for money but didn’t find any. Life on the streets is not easy and we end up getting only a few coins for food. I am happy to go back home although my parents may not have money to give me, they could be looking for me.’

Mwai was rescued and reintegrated with his family this month. As he had feared, his parents were looking for him and had reported his disappearance to the local authority.

“I know that education is important and that is why I would like to go back when school opens,” Mwai concluded.

 

Julius says, “I came to the streets because a friend introduced me. I have found life is hard here. We wake up in the morning, and walk begging for money from passersby in the streets, shops and any place that we think we might get help.

Life on the street has not been good as my friend made it to be. One has to always be weary of police officers and county council officers who constantly arrest children on the streets. I have been brutally beaten many times and left to nurse injuries. The lock-down in Nairobi has stopped me from going back home”.

Elsie says, “I love my mother very much and that’s why I’m not afraid of going home. I want to go back home for this is not a life I would wish on anyone. I have failed my mother and despised her with my behavior. If I get a chance to go back to school, I want to excel in my studies so that I can support her when I get a good job.

Thank you, our friends and partners for walking with us. Tumaini Kwa Watoto team together with community volunteers in different Counties have related, rescued and reintegrated 92 children with their families in June.  Together making a lasting difference to the lives of children and their families!