Geoffrey Mwaura

YOU can help us successfully rehabilitate a former street child

"My name is Geoffrey Mwaura. I am 14 years old. I come from Ruiru where I live with my father after my mother ran away. She suffers from mental problems and one day she left without saying goodbye. My father abuses alcohol and doesn't care for me and my younger brothers. I went to the streets to find money so me and my brothers could eat. I didn't want to leave school but it seemed like there was no one to help me."

Geoffrey's mother suffers from mental health problems and walked away from the family without a trace. She left them with the father who suffers from alcoholism and is never at home. The family lives in a one roomed house which doesn't even have a door. The children have no love, no care, no food, no clothing and no security.

Geoffrey dropped out of school and spent his time on the streets, trying to earn a little money to care for himself and his brothers. In the streets he begged, carried luggage, collected scrap metal and did cleaning in hotels and toilets to get money.

Life on the streets is extremely hard and children like Geoffrey suffer daily abuse, hunger and health problems. Often they resort to drugs in order to forget their troubles.

Geoffrey's struggle on the streets continued for almost a year before he was rescued by AfCiC outreach workers and brought to the Interim Care Centre (ICC) for six months intensive rehabilitation.

Whilst at the ICC Geoffrey has learnt what it is to be a child again. He has been taught to understand the value of his future despite the challenges his life poses. Geoffrey is a bright and promising boy who is very capable of excelling in the future. He understands that a good education is his best opportunity in life and is determined to work hard at school so he can help himself and his brothers.

AfCiC desperately wants to find a loving and conducive home environment for Geoffrey and are working hard to trace a relative. Through Family Sponsorship we could provide support to a family member willing to care for Geoffrey and his brothers, thus reducing the risk of them returning to the streets in the future.

For £15 a month you can ensure that Geoffrey and his brothers are cared for, well fed and attending school. Your donation will also provide bi-monthly visits from an AfCiC social worker who will monitor Geoffrey's progress and solve future problems in their early stages. We don't ever want Geoffrey to feel like there is no one to help him again.

Every child, including Geoffrey, deserves a chance in life. Will you give him one?