Silas worked hard to help his family survive in this rural town, where rains can swamp out the roads and elephants stomp the crops. Bad company lured him to the streets…
At an early age, he fetched water and firewood. He collected poles for fencing. He reared rabbits for food and sale, and cared for his younger siblings. He had enjoyed school, but none of them had been to class since his parents separated.
That’s when his father, struggling with alcohol, sold the family’s land. His mother moved the family to a small wooden house with a dirt floor on the edge of an elephant forest in rural Kenya. One day, a friend convinced Silas to run away to the city of Naivasha.
Street life was proving rough when Silas encountered the outreach officer from Shelter Yetu. Silas accepted the invitation to live in safety, structure, and hope at Shelter. For four months, he took part in rehabilitation and counseling while Shelter staff traced his family.
In 2025, he was reunited with his mother in Kiambu County. However, Silas and his three siblings were still at risk if their mom couldn’t cover school fees.
After interviews, his mother was identified as a perfect candidate for the Family Empowerment Program.
With Shelter Yetu’s training and support, she made her business plan. She used the seed money you provided to buy sheep. Today, she owns three healthy sheep, and two are expecting lambs soon. She is also growing Kale to sell at the local market.
Because of that decision—and because of your generosity—all four school-age children are now in school and doing well. Mama Silas has a growing source of income, renewed confidence, and hope for the future.
This is what sustainable change looks like. You didn’t just rescue a child—you helped restore a family. Thank you for walking alongside Silas’ whole family and giving them new life.
