Emergency Rescue
A few weeks ago, we were asked by the Kenyan government to do an emergency rescue.
The children living on the streets were really suffering as they had been pushed out of the city, and had nowhere to go during curfew. No one was willing to give them food, and they had no sanitation. To make matters worse, the rainy season has just begun and the children were left without shelter during the rains.
With the current coronavirus pandemic, we knew it would be a big undertaking to ensure the boys currently at shelter, the new boys, and all of our staff would be safe.
Our staff sprang into action, and soon we found a place to move twelve boys and four staff, so that they would be safe and unexposed once we brought the new boys to Shelter. An additional eight staff members committed to staying at Shelter and caring for the 20-30 new boys that would be arriving.
Last week, we transferred the boys at Shelter to a camp near Lake Naivasha and over the next few days, we welcomed 25 boys from the street.
The boys and staff at Shelter are now being quarantined and monitored for 2 weeks. So far, no one has shown any symptoms, so we are hopeful that after the 2 weeks are over, all of our Shelter family will be back together again.
The new group of boys is doing well and adjusting to life at Shelter. They have been learning to care for our animals and have taken on other Shelter responsibilities.
Twenty-five boys, plus staff are currently quarantined at the Shelter. We hope to do home tracing and reunite them with family soon!
Rescue and Restore
Our Mission Remains The Same
Though this rescue was unplanned, we remain committed to changing lives and reuniting families. We intend for all of these boys to go through our transition and counseling program, and our hope is that they will be reunited with their families at a safe and appropriate time.
As always, the boys burned their old clothes upon arrive at the Shelter to signify a new beginning in life.
Thankful
It is not possible for us to express how thankful and proud we are of our staff. In this difficult season, they have been working extended hours, away from their families, to continue to provide a safe environment for the boys in our care, both at Shelter and at the YMCA camp. They have done so with amazing attitudes, despite the risk to themselves.
Their dedication and commitment to changing lives is unparalleled, and we want to say a big "thank you!" to each of them.
We also want extend a huge "thank you" to all of our partners who have continued to support with us to rescue children from the streets and restore families. During this difficult time, we are more grateful than ever for your sacrificial giving that allows us to serve street-connected children and their families!
How You Can Help
There are so many ways our team is serving the community at this time. In addition to the emergency rescue and relocation of our current residents, we are continuing to provide food and other necessities to the families of boys who have returned home.
Please consider helping us cover these extra expenses with a one-time or recurring monthly gift as we continue this very important work.
