The Nairobi Children’s Rescue Centre marked a successful three-year project dubbed ‘Tuwarudishe Watoto Nyumbani’, a project that has given abandoned children a second chance in life.
Speaking during the event, Tuesday, at the Nairobi Rescue Centre, Italian Ambassador to Kenya Alberto Pieri, stated that the objective of the project is to give opportunities to the neglected children, as well as finding new alternatives to deal with issues of child negligence.
The Ambassador noted that through the partnership between the government of Kenya and ‘Tree of Life’, an Italian Non-Governmental Organization (NGO), they have been able to facilitate enhancement of foster care services, as well as psychological and vocational support to children.
“From this partnership, we have enabled the training of 700 public officers, referral of 137 minors into institutions and 1,230 pre minors re-integrated from joining Nairobi Children Rescue Centre,” said Pieri.
He thanked various stakeholders for observing the achievements of the ‘Tuwarudishe Watoto Nyumbani’ project that ended on 9th November 2021, which Italy had the honor to support.
“The support has cemented a partnership between not only the government of Kenya but also with the Italian NGO ‘Tree of Life’ as well as other relevant Kenyan institutions,” said the Ambassador.
Speaking at the event, the Director of Children’s Services, Judy Ndung’u, said that the Department is guided by three pillars aimed at promoting health, security and education of children.
“These three pillars include restorative justice, alternative family care and service of provision for the children. From these pillars, we are able to promote children’s education, enhance child participation, foster care arrangements and help children with special needs,” said Ndung’u.
The Director said the institution has been able to build a counselling room, an outdoor playground, washrooms as well as purchasing therapy toys.
She also stated that the expected outcome from these projects is to guide the children gradually back to the community.
At the same time, the Deputy County Commissioner for Westlands Mwai Gicheru said on security issues, he is working with the children services to rescue neglected and abused children.
“Through the ‘Mulika wahalifu’ Application a person can report cases of abandoned children through the number 988. This application can also be used to report any crime witnessed,” said Gicheru.
‘Tree of Life’ NGO Representative, Carla Muscau, stated that since the initiation of the project in 2011, the project has educated several children and helped some to secure job opportunities.
“The project has empowered families, traced abandoned children back to their families and is currently seeking solutions for children to enter into foster care,” said Muscau.
She urged Kenyans to invest in children as it will promote the country both socially and economically.
By Manu Mumba
