Ex-Street Children Deserve another Chane to Live

The Ex-street children community based organization in Eldoret facilitated issuance of about 300 IDs and voter's cards for street children.

The group was formed in 2001 and got registered in  2005.Together with the assistance of Eldoret Municipal Council's social  hall based at West market center the ex-street children have with them  a makeshift boarding facility for the little ones.
 
Currently the children at the facility experience a number of challenges including inadequate food, medical services, security and schooling, care for infants, other personal challenges for young girls and recreational facilities and sports.
As for medical care occasional treatment is provided at the District and Moi
Teaching and Referral hospitals though a rehabilitation facility has been limited.
 
Internal challenges such as controlling the flow of glue into the market have been culprits. Many street children are addicted to glue and it is upon shoe dealers, businesspersons and officers from government to ensure that this loophole for availing glue and other substances are sealed.
 
On the other hand the Kenyan society has a responsibility of helping to rehabilitate such disadvantaged children for they belong to us all. Many of us take advantage of them by taking photos with them in order to solicit for funds from foreign countries for our personal use. In the name of running schools, churches, orphanages and homes, we capitalize on the disadvantaged children who never had a chance to be with their parents in their homes. We use them, make them work for us as a result of cheap labor.  The children go fetching for plastic items, scrape metal and we promise them that we shall give them scholarships and help them fly out of the country for greener pastures.
 
On our roads, we hit them as they cross the road never to care to stop and ease their pain. Owners of vehicles involved in such accidents, when confronted by authorities buy their freedom and refuse to visit the injured children in hospital beds.

Some lawyers, amongst us, also infringe on their rights. No one wants to represent them or be associated with their desperate fate.
 
Certainly, the government through the Ministry of Culture Gender and Sports needs a pat on the back for ensuring that the approximately 70 former street children have a safer haven at Eldoret social hall.  With ten infants who need maternal care, milk and proper food, 50 of them yearn to join school next year as others seek employment opportunities.
 
 The greatest achievement was for the former street children to be issued with IDs and voter's cards. This is proof that they are ready to help shape the destiny of this great nation.

It is a fact that every child has a right to education as provided for in The Children's Act, 2001 and International Human Rights treaties, including the UN Convention on rights of the child.
 
May be it is our time to thank them now by showing them compassion and love in all ways possible, especially the infants who need us most. God bless.
 
May the good Lord be with you and your family always. Be blessed and rest assured that we are behind you.
 
Mundia Mundia Jnr.