TUMAINI GAVE ME A VOICE

‘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.