Day of Action - Success in Multiple Ways

      The 'Day of Action for Vulnerable Children' was truly a success. On Thursday, October 6th 'his heart my voice' joined with about 15 other local organizations dedicated to the welfare of street children and other vulnerable children in the Thika area. We were so honored to be able to join these organizations in bringing awareness to the general public about the issues concerning these vulnerable children.

      One key success was the unification of so many organizations working for the common goal. We went out two-by-two paired up with individuals from other orgainizations. This was such a great way to find even more common ground between our purposes and goals, as well as making new friends.

      Our main objective for the day was to share with as many individuals and businesses as to how they can best help deter children from moving to and living on the streets. So what is the best deterrent?

      Not giving food or money? It would seem backward when charity organizations encourage others to not give money and food to children begging on the streets, but I'll explain why this is an important message to broadcast to the mass public.

      In Thika, almost every public school offers a free or, for a few shillings, a subsidized lunch. If children remain going to school they are guaranteed a meal everyday. The gerneral public is not aware that the vast majority of the children entering the streets are from the Kiandutu slums where children who go to school will always have food to eat. Instead of giving a handout, we were encouraging everyone, if they truly want to help a child, to direct children to one of the many organizations working with vulnerable children or simply encourage the children to go home and return to school.

Representing HHMV from left to right:
Antony Njoroge, Jurn Kamami Njui, Dave Richardson, Newton Kamakia, and Sam Hembree

      Businesses, churches, and individuals throughout Thika were open and understanding of the message we were proposing. In fact, many businesses posted our posters and even insisted on having our leaflets to give to their customers. With more continued momentum of this change in public opinion regarding helping vulnerable children, we have hope in seeing a decrease in children entering the street life.

pattern your lives
after mine and
learn from those who follow our example
Philippians 3:17