Former street children receive food stuffs and clothes from a professionals group

Thirty five children who used to live in the streets of Busia town have received food items and clothes from Bukhayo professionals group.

The items were presented to the children and their ‘mother’ former police officer Doris Wako at her Mundika village home by the group members led by their chairperson Hawkins Ouma, Treasurer Pamela Nekesa and Elizabeth Adhiambo.

They appreciated the good work Wako is doing in taking care of the children, most of whom have taken them back to school, “We really thank mama Doris because the work she is doing is exemplary and touching. That is why we have decided to come in and support her.”

Wako, who resigned two months ago from the police service citing harassment from her seniors, joined hands with the children in thanking the professionals for their gesture, “Today together with my children we are so delighted. We didn’t expect this especially coming from professionals because  majority of professionals don’t embrace street children. But today we have been so touched by what Bukhayo professionals have done.”

Initially she used to visit the street children in the stress and buy them food items and clothes but she later moved them to her Mundika home in 2020 after some of the children were roughed up and beaten by police officers during the onset of dusk to dawn curfew imposed to curb the spread of Corona Virus.

She took most of the children back to school while those who had overgrown school going age are being trained other skills that will help them earn a living, “There are those who are age fourteen and have never stepped in school so I have taken them to be trained as carpenters and some are being taught how to make soap which they sell and get some money. But majority of them are in school, mostly primary although some are in secondary.”

Her major challenge is paying school fees for the children, buying them books, pens, clothes and food among other basic needs, “It’s not easy but I do try to my level best.”

Esikulu sub location assistant chief Stephen Ouma Osike who is also a member of the professional group has joined other members in appealing for more help from other groups and well-wishers, “Initially when Doris brought these children here we were a bit worried because we thought they will behave the way other street children do but so far I can attest that they are very disciplined. She has managed to teach them good behaviour and most of them go to school and are performing well.”

“It’s not an easy task to take care of such a large number of children single-handedly. Although today we have brought them food and clothes, they still need more support and that’s why I am passionately appealing to other well-wishers out there to come in and support them as my colleagues have said.”