Why we do what we do.
In 24 days, Unicef will be comemorating 25 years of The Convention of the Rights of the Child (C.R.C) alias Universal childrens’ day. In 1989, world leaders decided that children needed a special convention just for them because people under 18 years old often need special care and protection that adults do not. The leaders also wanted to make sure that the world recognized that children have human rights too. The Convention on the Rights of the Child (C.R.C) is the first legally binding international instrument to incorporate the full range of human rights—including civil, cultural, economic, political and social rights.
Today, there is an estimated 100 million children world wide living on the streets and the number is on an upward trend. There are an estimated 437,500 street children in Tanzania. And here in Mwanza, street children are considered to be hooligans, vagabonds and prone to commit crimes. As a result of this, they have been a target of harassment by law enforcement organizations; there are many cases of street children being beaten by police, detained and sometimes repatriated to their rural homes. Nevertheless, these draconian measures have not provided long-term solutions to this social problem. Children living on the streets are especially vulnerable to victimization, exploitation and the abuse of their civil and economic rights.
It is against all these odds, that Voices of Africa has committed herself to be part of the solution. And Chez Kristo Home stands to be counted as a beacon of Hope. This commitment has opened our eyes to see the gifts, talents and immense potential criss-crossing the Lumumba streets; often easily deemed as beggers and pickpockets at the red-lights. The achievments, resilience and strength of these children is an amaizing feat and most of them have innovated ways to survive often allowing them to escape the often crippling level of poverty in their child-headed homes. Despite the high levels of substance abuse and exposure to violence these children have captured our hearts the more. The hopelessness that glues them to these solvent drugs and substances eventually fade off as they develop a sense of purpose. When children are given protection, support and opportunities, they can realise their full potential and live their dreams.
We have realized that for the millions of children worldwide who live in the street, education is the most effective method of reintegration into society; and despite all the challenges we bear in pursuit of this vision, our team cannot wait to see what they will become. Children who were formerly living on the streets neglected, without anyone to embrace, accept and love them, provide them food, a place to stay and send them to school like their agemates. As i write this, i can hear beautiful Voices of African children scream in joy as they scramble for the football.
Please take a moment and donate a dollar to keep our children in school. You can also voluntour with us and impact a life. Spread the word!!
