I'm Mia. I'm 23 and I'm currently a part-time online university student studying education. The reason I say online is because over the past 4 years, I've spent a lot of time in Nairobi, Kenya where I've had the privilege of meeting many amazing people and discovering a completely new side of life.
I wanna introduce you all to my dream, my absolute life goal and biggest aspiration, something that has been at the forefront of my mind ever since I first traveled to Kenya at the age of 18, without any plans or connections, to go find a school in a disadvantaged area and offer my assistance. While I was there, I worked in a slum school in Nairobi, and discovered how incredible these children really are. Their thirst for knowledge and passion for learning really did amaze me. I honestly saw some of the brightest smiles and most enthusiastic attitudes towards school I think I've ever seen.
However, not all children in Kenya are fortunate enough to receive an education. Shockingly, studies reveal that almost 1/5 of Kenya’s youth population are considered orphaned, leaving them without anyone to provide for even their basic needs, let alone pay for their education. As a consequence, many of these children find themselves abandoned by their families, and forced to live on the streets where they are subjected to a life of unimaginable hardships.
Entangled within the bustling city life of Nairobi, I saw a different reality—one that left an indelible mark on my heart. I saw young children, barely old enough to understand the world's complexities, left to fend for themselves on the cold and unforgiving streets. These innocent souls endure living conditions that many of us in the Western world aren’t even able to fathom. The streets that should have been their playgrounds instead became their battlegrounds, witnessing vicious cycles of despair, hunger, and addiction to drugs right from early childhood. It is heart-wrenching to acknowledge that these young souls are being swallowed in a dark abyss, a life plagued by drugs, ill health, and the constant struggle to find something resembling a refuge.
Statistics reveal the gravity of the situation. Approximately 250,000 children in Kenya are estimated to be living on the streets. Many of these children have experienced or witnessed violence and abuse, with estimates suggesting that over 70% are victims of physical or sexual violence. This cycle of violence and trauma perpetuates the difficult circumstances these street children face. In addition, substance abuse is prevalent among street children in Kenya, with alarming numbers. It is reported that around 80% or more of children on the streets use drugs, including alcohol, glue, and solvents such as jet fuel. Imagine the severe harm these substances can inflict on the minds and bodies of children as young as 7 or 8 years old. Substance abuse further exacerbates their physical and mental health struggles, trapping them in a never-ending cycle of addiction and despair. Due to the lack of basic necessities and healthcare, street children in Kenya are at high risk of experiencing malnutrition, poor hygiene, and various health issues, including respiratory infections and skin diseases.
These children, children with just as much potential as you and I, are being deprived of the simplest of joys we often take for granted - having a home, parents, food, and water. Instead of nurturing their dreams and aspirations, they resort to unhealthy distractions that offer nothing more than momentary relief, perpetuating a never-ending cycle of sorrow and deteriorating health.
It is imperative for us to realize that these children in poverty - not just the ones living in poor home conditions, but the ones who have no place at all to even call home, the ones who yearn for things as simple as warmth, love, and basic opportunities - they deserve better. They deserve our compassion, our action, and our collective strength to at least try to offer them a way out. By offering a helping hand, we can contribute to the lives of so many of these children. That’s where our idea for the Amani Project came about.
Although I understand that I cannot change the lives of every single street child I encounter, as much as I’d love to, I am aware of the impact I can make on a large number of them if I try hard enough. The Amani Project aims to build brighter futures for street children seeking rescue. We aim to help children who have experienced unfathomable hardships right from the start of their lives, and reinstall hope for their futures. We want them to believe that there is nothing in this world they cannot achieve, and we can only make that true by providing them with the necessary support on their journey into adolescence.
With the donations we receive, our journey begins by purchasing a substantial piece of land. On this land, we will build a safe haven capable of accommodating up to 200 orphaned street children between the ages of 3 and 18. Each child will be provided with a warm bed of their own, three nutritious meals a day, access to healthcare, and most importantly, a chance to reclaim their childhood. We will distribute sanitary products to girls that need them, offer regular counseling sessions to all children, and provide every one of them with their own clothes, toys, and personal space—luxuries they have most likely never had before.
Once we secure enough sponsorships and donations, our plan is to offer these children an education based on the UK system, equipping them with the knowledge and skills needed to pave their own path towards a successful future. Furthermore, we will encourage older children to explore potential business ideas, enabling them to save money for their own futures. We will provide support and guidance to ensure they have everything they need to get started. By offering these children a safe place to live, educational opportunities, and the chance to pursue their own entrepreneurial dreams, we will be providing them with the tools to break free from the vicious grip of poverty and substance abuse, allowing them to truly believe in their potential.
Working with children has always been my dream. I began the idea for the Amani Project over 4 years ago now. Of course, this is a long term goal and we are starting off completely from scratch. However, we believe that anything is possible. While one average person like me may not be able to change the whole world, together we can most definitely change lives.
By supporting this cause, by opening your hearts, and by giving as generously as you can, we will be able to give these children the wings they need to soar high and confidently reach for the stars.
Thank you so much for your time and support, and if you have any questions please don’t be afraid to get in contact!