29 Street children have been rescued and will undergo rehabilitation at Kwetu Home of Peace.
We've all begun to modify our lives in the aftermath of 2022, hoping that the New Year will benefit us. But unfortunately, this has not been the case for Nairobi's street-connected children and families. Instead, they face new challenges, including a lack of shelter and space following the government's order to close Uhuru Park and Central Park for modernized rehabilitation and retrofitting, hoping that the two parks will regain their former glory.
Devasted by displacement
In response to the clamor of homeless street-connected children devastated by displacement in Nairobi, Kwetu Home of Peace successfully rescued 29 street boys from Nairobi's streets on January 17th, marking its first batch of boys saved in 2022.
Kwetu Home of Peace has had tremendous success in reducing the number of street children on Nairobi's streets despite the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic that has harmed charitable children institutions across the country.
Rescued boys pose for a photo shortly after arriving at Kwetu Home of Peace.
"We envision a county free of street families"
Speaking during the exercise at Kwetu Home of Peace, Chairperson Street Families Rehabilitation Trust Fund (SFRTF), the Honourable Mary Wambui, commended the work done so far by Kwetu Home of Peace and encouraged them to carry on with the excellent work of rescuing and rehabilitating street-connected children in Nairobi.
"We envision a county free of street families," said Honourable Wambui. "It's all possible through strengthening and supporting organizations that rescue street children, such as Kwetu Home of Peace," she added.
The Hon. Mary Wambui shares a photo session with the rescued boys. The rescued boys looked neat and tidy, while dressed in newer outfits and shoes with fresh haircuts, moments after being introduced to their new home at Kwetu Home of Peace in Madaraka.
Kwetu's Approach
Regarding the street activities carried out by Kwetu Home, Sr. Janerose Nyongesa, the director of Kwetu Home of Peace, said that the rescue program was timely and thanked Street Families Rehabilitation Trust Fund and all partners for making KHP's mission possible.
The rescued boys receive their first orientation at Kwetu Home of Peace.
"Our comprehensive approach integrates acute and primary measures and targets, not just the secluded street child, but the entire family," said Sr. Janerose. "It has conclusively demonstrated to be a cost-effective, sustainable, and very successful model in reuniting children with their families and communities," she added.
Sr. Janerose noted that Kwetu Home of Peace programs promote an environment where children have access to school and basic health care, meeting the necessities essential for their proper growth and development.
The Meet, Greet, Welcome, and Prayer time during the official welcoming of the rescued boys at Kwetu Home of Peace. The process involves the boys abandoning all their stuff brought from the streets and renouncing their street life, followed by a commitment to a new life at Kwetu Home of Peace.