Cover Story
A feast for street families
The Zero Street Child Foundation on Saturday, 24 August, hosted a significant event at Kiboro Primary School in Mathare, Nairobi that brought together all street children and families within the community.
Consequently, this was in order to assess those in need of identification cards and determine which children should be taken to rescue centers such as the Rescue Dada Foundation and Sprouting Again Children’s Home in Kitengela.
The event, saw contributions from various initiatives, including the Deliverance Church Zimmerman, Kroi initiative and other volunteering individuals, with aiming the street children in the area.
The foundation organized and facilitated entertainment activities for the street children, providing them with an opportunity to engage in recreational activities and foster a sense of community.
This was followed by a communal dining session, where the children and the volunteers shared the prepared meals, further enhancing the spirit of togetherness and support that underpins the Foundation’s mission
Mission and Objectives
The core mission of Zero Street Child Foundation is to break the cycle of homelessness and addiction by developing and implementing cost-effective, holistic programs.
These programs aim to equip street children with the tools they need to achieve permanent self-sufficiency and productive lives within the community.
As part of the foundation’s objective, they rescue, rehabilitate, and reintegrate street children and families back into mainstream society consequently, offering rehabilitation services for drug users/addicts.
The program, which began with a simple act of providing porridge, has since evolved into a full-fledged feeding initiative that offers daily lunch to street families.
Community Engagement
What sets Zero Street Child Foundation apart is its close relationship with the street families they serve. “We know most of them personally and have their records, which helps us ensure that donations reach the right people,” says Larence Wambui, the foundation’s director.
Through direct involvement with the community, the foundation is able to distribute clothes, food, and other necessities to those who need them most. They are committed to treating all street children with the dignity and care they deserve, regardless of gender.
“We provide sanitary pads to the girls and educate them on sexual and reproductive health,” adds Wambui.
Overcoming Challenges
Despite its success, the foundation faces significant challenges, particularly financial constraints.
“This community has been neglected for so long, and even though we stand in the gap, there are many needs to be met, which requires financial stability,” Wambui notes.
The lack of adequate rehabilitation centers and schools also hampers their efforts. Currently, they work with a limited number of centers, which can only offer outpatient services.
Success Stories
One of the foundation’s notable successes is the rehabilitation and reintegration of over 100 street children into local schools and, in some cases, colleges.
Wambui proudly shares that many of the reformed individuals now mentor others, helping them transition away from life on the streets, hence creating a cycle of positive change.
The foundation also assists the street children in obtaining identification cards, crucial for accessing employment opportunities.
The Zero Street Child Foundation is now recruiting a new cohort of street children to continue their transformative work.
Accountability and Transparency
Transparency is a cornerstone of the foundation’s operations. Donations are meticulously recorded during distribution, and detailed reports are sent to donors. “Accountability is key to maintaining trust and ensuring that the resources are used effectively,” says Wambui.
Through direct engagement with the community, the NGO ensures that the needs of street children and families are met through sustainable and impactful initiatives.
A Call to Action
Wambui concludes with a powerful message: “Chokora ni nguo. The only thing that set them apart from other people is the kind of life they live.”
She further emphasizes that the street families are also human beings and should not be harassed or treated inhumanely.
She urges the public to join hands in making the world a better place by supporting genuine organizations like Zero Street Foundation, whether through donations of food, clothes, or other in-kind contributions.
Through its innovative programs, commitment to rehabilitation, and community support, the foundation is making a significant impact. As the foundation grows, it remains steadfast in its mission to provide hope, opportunity, and a brighter future for those who need it most. They also look forward to long partnerships with other organizations with similar or related initiatives.
For more information or to offer support, visit www.zerostreet.org or follow Zero Street on their social media pages.
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