Kwetu Faraja

Kwetu Faraja collects information and produces statistical profiles of the population of street children in the Central Business District of Mwanza. Each child is identified (if possible) by age, tribe, place of origin, length of time on the street, causes for present circumstances, education, general health, and - in the case of girls - if they are pregnant, or have children.

Kwetu Faraja staff are always prepared to aide children in immediate danger or any who are seriously ill.

Life in the Streets

Children sleep along the sidewalks or in gutters. They have no protection from the mosquitoes, cold, or rain and often get sick because of these conditions. Malaria, HIV, and parasite infections are everyday realities for these kids. Children in the streets are often victims of violence - whether  car accidents or beatings from the police or other members of society. These children are left abandoned along roadsides wounded and unable to get medical care for themselves. We have always provided care for such children when we come across them. Children in the streets must search dump sites for scraps of food and other needs. There are no soup kitchens or shelters. There are no government programs to offer them assistance. They are left to survive on their own. Mwanza is an attractive location for children in the street because of the lake. This body of water is used for bathing, washing clothes, drinking (though it is full of parasites).  Clever children also find ways to fish and catch other water animals to cook and eat. This lake is full of crocodiles and hippos though, and the many dangers are always present.