This is how we found James.  He was a street kid for 4 years, living with so many others on the streets of Nairobi - surviving on hand outs or stealing and always using "glue" to numb the pain.  His eyes tell his story.

Each child has a story, some unbelievable - like many whose own Father has left, Mum remarries and the new step-father does not want children from previous relationships, so they are sent away.  Many of these find their way to the hard life on the streets of the big city.  Before long, each is sniffing glue to get through the long days and nights.

There are some groups who are working with the street boys and girls, getting them into safe houses and then school or training centres.  They are not easy to work with and require more patience than most children - remember they have lived as adults, making their own decisions and rebel against discipline - many running back to their friends on the street.

James was very dirty when found on the street and had to be shaven and washed and given clean clothes.  These boys literally wear the same clothes until they are worn out.  After we took him to a little guest house for a shower, we found he had put all 4 shirts and a sweater on at the same time - how could he be sure someone would not steal his new shirts if he was not wearing them?

'Dagoretti 4 Kids' is co-ordinated by James Mwaura and Genesis is helping with school uniforms and equipment.  James is totally dedicated to the boys and very patient with them.  If they run back to the streets, he finds them and tries to bring them back.  Dagoretti is an area out of Nairobi with many street boys of its own, but some are giving up the streets, returning to school and doing something with their lives, thanks to this programme.

Sponsorship is A$10 per month to rehabilitate a street boy.