With continued economic hurdles within the family, Kimeu and his siblings would often go to bed hungry. His parents did not have a steady source of income to sustain the family. This situation was exacerbated when his parents faced domestic disputes which led them to parting ways.
“The reason as to why I moved from my home
was after my dad and mum came into conflict and they had to part ways. For me
and my siblings, we had to follow our mum and all did not go well with her for
she had to cater for our needs all alone which came to be hard for her,” he
bitterly recalled.
Kimeu engaging in beadwork alongside other rescued
children at the Temporary Rescue Centre (TRC)
Without
any source of income, it became really hard for his mother to look after the
family. Life at home became almost unbearable. It was during this time that
Kimeu took the hard decision of heading out to the streets to beg for food.
Life in the streets was no easier as he explained.
“There are hundreds, there are handicaps,
hardships you have to face in life, but you hope for a great future. Whether you
reach a lot of people or have a profound impact on a few people their memories
of you are your afterlife,” he explained.
His
life took a surprising turning point when he was identified by a social worker
from Action for Children in Conflict (AfCiC) while he roamed in the streets.
Action for Children in Conflict is a non-governmental organization that aims at
offering equal and sustainable opportunities to children and particularly to street-connected
families.
Kimeu
explained that at the time, he was almost losing hope in life. And even more
surprising was when he learnt that his brother was also rescued from the
streets by AfCiC. “Life in the streets
was no longer pleasing and I was always in danger of being taken to prison if I
was caught roaming in the streets at night,” he expounded.
Kimeu participating in cooking activities at the
Temporary Rescue Centre (TRC).
Through
AfCiC’s rehabilitation program, Kimeu was taken to the Temporary Rescue Center
where he was undertaken through the 4R model (Rescue, Rehabilitate,
Re-socialize and Re-integrate). “The
support I had received from AfCiC included reintegration with my family after
parting from them for two years. My basic needs were also catered for by AfCiC,”
he explained. He was also enrolled back to school and is currently in
secondary school.
As
he looks back in his life, Kimeu is full of hopes for the future. To him, the
encounter with AfCiC will forever be a life-changing opportunity that he will
live to cherish. “I feel proud of myself
for agreeing to join AfCiC where my needs are being catered for and I feel
loved,” he explained happily.
Kimeu
is now full of positivity. He appreciates every moment of his current life. He
aspires to do his best and give back to the society. He is a well-organized and
disciplined young man. He dreams of becoming a professional footballer.
According to him, perseverance in the face of adversity is key to facing life
challenges.
“Bend and don’t break. Your future is
forward. Prove adversity wrong. Perseverance will prevail and triumph grows
from trials. I really do appreciate all of your hard work to make sure I have
gone to school and my basic needs are being catered for, once again thank you
AfCiC,” he advised.
Whether you have skills to share, resources to offer, or simply a passion for helping others, your involvement is priceless. Together, we can amplify our impact, Your donation will enable us rescue more children from the streets, rehabilitate them at our Temporary Rescue Centre where they are provided basic needs and are finally reintegrated into the society. . Take the first step—fill out our volunteer form today! Let’s work together to create lasting change in our communities.
