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Churches welcome Kenyan government plan to help street kids
2003-070-2
4/1/2003
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[Episcopal News Service]
'Streetism'--the dire situation that leaves people scrambling to live without roofs over their heads--is an 'ism' that afflicts African cities from Accra to Zanzibar, ignoring the ideologies and intentions of national rulers. In Kenya, the government is now stepping in to deal with the problem, and churches fighting the affliction are happy to get some assistance.
Speaking from his official residence during a meeting with the Street Families Rehabilitation Trust Fund, President Mwai Kibaki appealed for support for rehabilitation of street families. The president acknowledged the contribution of churches, non-governmental organizations and international bodies like UNICEF, the UN agency dealing with children
Government minister Karisa Maitha said an estimated 30,000 street children were being targeted in the program throughout the country, but NGO's say there are probably more than double that number of street children in the Kenyan capital. Street children are often cast as truants but are more likely victims of family neglect, psychological impairment, peer pressure, or orphaned by AIDS.
Retired Anglican Archbishop Manasses Kuria, who helped find private homes in Nairobi to look after 450 children, said the government had now decided to take care of at least 350 children. 'The government will be responsible for their nutrition, clothing, general living costs, including schooling costs,' he said. 'However, if things do not work out for any one of them, they are free to return to us.'
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