When he was just nine years old, David’s mother, who was raising him alone, sadly passed away. David was living in Kisumu – an area in Kenya which is home to an estimated 1,000 children and young people who are dependent on the streets for their survival. David was at risk of becoming one of these children on the streets, where life is violent and short. Street connected children are the target of human trafficking and abuse.

Thankfully, with our partner KUAP’s intervention, David didn’t end up on the streets and he was able to stay with his Aunt. However, his Aunt was already the single mother of two children of her own and she had very little money to provide for them – let alone send David to school.

However, with KUAP’s support David was able to get the education he deserved. He went to catch-up lessons to learn basic reading and writing skills. And David soon showed his potential – actively participating in classes and demonstrating his love for learning!

Now thirteen, David was thriving at school for the first part of the year. But the COVID-19 pandemic and strict lockdown threatened to take all of that away.

The school was closed and, stuck at home, David’s education was in jeopardy. Thankfully, your support stepped in through our COVID-19 Response Fund. KUAP were able to provide David with a radio, so he could follow along with lessons being broadcast while he was at home. Not even a pandemic could stop David learning!

David getting set up with his radio

In follow up phone calls, it was clear that David and been following the lessons well. He’d been taking notes and could answer questions effectively!

Thankfully, David has been able to access good support during lockdown. As well as staying on top of his education, his family have received food supplies so they can stay healthy while David’s Aunt is unable to earn money through her small business at the market.

Sadly, this isn’t the case for all children. And when schools are shut, already vulnerable children are often at greater risk of abuse and neglect as they are unable to access the spaces and adults that keep them safe.

With our partners expecting more reports and incidents, we’re launching a crowdfunding campaign in September to raise £5,000 for our Survivors Support Fund.

Keep an eye out on 1st September to see how you can help to support survivors of abuse and give them a bright future.