Visiting ‘Street children’
Written by Shalini Raman and Jasmine Anilmis.
Today we visited the ‘Raising hope organisation’ which is just outside of Kampala, which has been set up to support children who live on the street, (street children). We were greeted by the founder of the orgaisation, Patrick, who had previously been to see us the day before. We were instantly welcomed by the children with hugs and chatter and never before have I been welcomed so warmly, and yet, these were young children that we have never met before. We spent some time talking to the children and it was lovely to be around such enthusiastic children. Patrick gave us a tour of the centre, including where the children sleep and learn. Each bedroom had around 2-3 bunk beds with 2-3 children sleeping in each one of the beds. It was very inspiring to see babies to teenagers living in such a small spaced area together. Every single child appeared to be full of happiness. Patrick is just 19 and has managed to create this project himself.
Just before we said our farewell the children performed a song and dance for us and encouraged us to join in, and everyone appeared to be having a great time.
We then visited the Katwe youth development centre in Kampala which is also for ‘street children’. It appeared to be a very small village where the children lived and played. A group of young people performed some music to us, singing, playing drums, harps and dancing, which we all found amazing.
After meeting the chairmen we were given a tour of the centre, where we saw where they teach the children skills such as carpentry. This aims to benefit the children in the future to earn a living from skills such as these.
Today was so incredible and I wish it could have gone on forever!
By Janine Jolly, April 3, 2010 @ 9:35 am
Amazing work being done by incredible people. Hope you can help them in some way.
By Roger Mallins, April 5, 2010 @ 11:34 am
“In all the circumstances ” The STREET CHILDREN appear so so happy,how the other half live in this more primitive environment under the leadership of their young 19 year old mentor PATRICK.
All my very best to you all !!!
By Peace Nakitto, April 14, 2010 @ 10:14 pm
It is not the “Street Child”, but rather “Everybody’s Child” that is why these children have a great affection for the people they meet, because they feel they already know them, even if they don’t. It is because they appreciate the gift of having each other, which means a lot to them and it is what they are searching for, to love rather than just be loved. All the volunteers on the group were all lovable!