Boresha Maisha

The Project aims to improve the living conditions, psycho-physical well-being and social inclusion of the most vulnerable children in the Starehe sub-county (Nairobi, Kenya). In particular, it aims to improve health and social protection mechanisms in the areas of Mlango Kubwa and Eastleigh.

GRT, together with partner organisations CCM-Comitato Collaborazione Medica, Heshima Kenya, US ACLI Turin and the Starehe sub-county children’s office, has:

  • Conducted a mapping of families, street children and refugee children to be included in the community health strategy initial
  • screening of children’s health conditions
  • implemented tailor-made psycho-social support programmes for children and families
  • organised sports and peer-to-peer activities to promote the rehabilitation, inclusion and education of the children and some youth-friendly spaces to support the psycho-physical well-being of the children.

Work is carried out with families in precarious conditions to:

  • reduce the risks that lead their children into the street
  • provide training to families on how to care for children and on business development techniques to be self-supporting
  • identify foster families to be able to provide a short-term solution for refugee children in need

On the medical side, GRT and the partner organisations will establish a Community Health Unit and a Community Health Committee and provide them with training and support on the needs of street children and appropriate response mechanisms.

 

Results:

The mapping exercise identified 859 street and refugee children and youth, of whom more than 556 were taken into care through the development of a customised psychosocial rehabilitation plan and by providing emotional support to all.

The children’s access to social and health services increased by 57%.

182 were taken to family reintegration or rehabilitation centres. 96 were reintegrated into school.

571 street, refugee, rehabilitated and student children were involved in sports activities.

681 were sensitised on health and addiction issues through 382 psycho-education sessions.

GRT reached more than 15,000 people during International Street Children’s Day, African Children’s Day, Wellness and Sports Day and various other awareness-raising events.

With regard to families, 157 parents received training in parenting and management skills, 94 improved their economic condition, and 168 received psychosocial support.

In the area of social and health services, CHC and CHU units were established and trained, which registered 11447 family units. Two facilities for vulnerable children in the area were supported, the PCEA ECC and the Pangani clinic, the latter of which was renovated.

 

Founds: