With the rising number of pick pockets, con artists and robbers in the city, most Nairobians on spotting a street child pull their coats ,purses ,handbags laptop bags closely to their bodies and quickly pass the child whereas others continue talking to their peers and ignore the child so hard the child may believe he or she is invisible. It's possibly a normal reaction to protect oneself from what one perceives as potential harm. To most these riffraffs or street urchins are an extra burden to the beautiful vibrant Nairobi and would rather be removed from the city . We merely reduce them to beggars and garbage.
On a personal note I had, like most Kenyans never thought of them as children.Moreover like normal children needing mad love until tonight. I was walking to the bus stop, there they were they caught my eyes, two boys probably aged between 9 and 12 sharing an orange all cuddled up in this freezing weather with nothing on except probably full scarp thick T-shirts as they bit the orange they looked into each others eyes with the 'You're all I got' look and as the sentimental human being I am I couldn't help but feel mad love for them . I could totally relate with because that's the look my sister has given me all these years . I remember how good I feel when she looks at me and the bond just that look has created beyond love, adversity and time something totally heaven-sent. I can only imagine if we didn't have a decent shelter or and adult to care for us when we were young we would probably be in such a situation. It's a view point everyone can take hadn't you had your parents or guardians we would all probably be hungry ,homeless and treated like rejects.
We all wouldn't want to be treated like rejects or thieves. So why don't we change how we treat them for the better. The following are steps we could take:
1.Put yourself in their shoes:
It's a blessing you found good parents or guardians to take care of you from your siblings bullying,your parents saw you through school and provided all you needed until you were independent .Looking at the flip side of the coin you could have ended up in the streets were it not for their being and their tolerance. Appreciating what this privilege made you will definitely understand what these children are missing out on, how vulnerable they are on the streets prone to drugs, diseases ,attacks from fellow street children and eventually a short life span . Understanding that they lack support and parental love will help you to be patient when dealing with them
2.Give them gifts:
Gifts are a beautiful manifestation of love and care . In primary school, my teacher of science used to feed street children and sit with them as they ate if it was safe to do so . This shows not necessarily must you give them money you can also show love by giving food and clothes.
3.Smile at them
Smiles are always priceless to the recipients. If they come begging and you're broke exchange greetings while smiling and explain you don't have as you would do if it were your siblings
Nothing bad can come out of sharing your love with people. However most of the time those who are in need of love are the hardest to love. I hope this helps you share your love with the children on the streets.
