Hundreds of orphaned children across Africa flee from rural villages and townships to big cities in search of work or away from abuse at home. However they soon struggle to survive on the streets where prostitution, glue sniffing, violence, crime and abuse are every day realities. They are often seen as a embarrassing nuisance or even a criminal threat with little understanding of what drives them to the street.
HOPEHIV funds innovative street team programs across Africa delivering workable solutions to help children escape street dangers and return safely to their home communities. This involves relationship building, life skills, and family counselling. Getting children back into school is a priority.
Street child associations have worked well in West Africa and HOPEHIV is bringing this innovative idea to the streets of Nairobi where gang leaders are identified and equipped by street teams and offered vocational training skills. Learn more about this model with our Undugu Project.
We believe that these children themselves can be part of the solution for others. HOPEHIV partners train young people who have experienced life on the streets themselves as street team workers. They pioneer workable strategies for tackling street child isses that are in the best interests of the child. Read more about our Umthombo Street Child Project in Durban.