Marvin (left) and Brian, both 13, earn money to survive by collecting scrap metal from rubbish dumps in Nairobi, Kenya. Marvin has been on the streets since the house he lived in with his grandmother burned down after post-election violence erupted in his town. Brian was forced onto the streets because his stepmother mistreated him. Brian has 3 brothers and 5 sisters and only knows the whereabouts of his youngest sister in Mombasa. He and other boys sleep in a mechanics shed on a sports ground in exchange for security and helping the mechanic to set up in the mornings. Neither Brian nor Marvin goes to school, meaning they miss out on their education.
© UNICEF/Kenya2010/Marco Di Lauro
More than 200 million children around the world are forced to work, often because they live on the streets or their family can't afford to keep them. Working denies children their right to an education in order to grow to their full potential. Marvin and Brian collect scrap metal for recycling, to raise money for rent, food and other basic needs.
© UNICEF/Kenya2010/Marco Di Lauro
But UNICEF is helping Marvin and Brian to escape the streets for good. After the boys finish collecting scrap-metal, they visit a UNICEF-supported Child Protection Centre where, for a few hours, they can be safe from the dangers of the streets. At the centre, Marvin and Brian meet other children in the same situation. They also get two meals a day, a shower and somewhere to wash their clothes. Just as important, the centre teaches Marvin and Brian the basics of hygiene and healthy eating. Marvin even has his own vegetable patch where he learns how to grow food. But most crucial of all, the boys now have the opportunity to get an education. An education is vital to help Marvin and Brian learn new vocational skills, and get safer and better-paid jobs in the future.
© UNICEF/Kenya2010/Marco Di Lauro
Children wait in line to collect their lunch at the Child Protection Centre. Every day up to 200 children receive two hot meals, a clean shower and the chance to learn, play and be counselled by social workers.
© UNICEF/Kenya2010/Marco Di Lauro
Sharon (front), 13, is Ugandan but now lives with her aunt in Nairobi, where she has to provide house help for the family rather than going to school. Sharon washes dishes, fetches water, cooks and cleans the house. food is scarce and at times she is hungry. But she can at least be assured of two decent meals at the centre, and the chance to learn and play with other children.
Stacey (second from front), also 13, grew up in Kibera, Nairobi's largest slum, and her mother is too ill to work or look after her. Although her mother does her best, on many nights they have to go hungry, so Stacey especially appreciates the meals at the centre. There she also has a chance to play football and learn tae-kwon-do.
© UNICEF/Kenya2010/Marco Di Lauro
Samuel, 11, used to live with his uncle, but since his uncle's death he has been living on the streets of Nairobi. He likes to learn new things and loves to play football. The centre has given Samuel shelter a number of times when he has been very sick, and he feels cared for there.
© UNICEF/Kenya2010/Marco Di Lauro
There are lots of chances to play at the Child Protection Centre. Friendly football matches and theatre performances ensure the whole community is involved and help to reintegrate children with their families.
© UNICEF/Kenya2010/Marco Di Lauro
Elizabeth, 13, lives with her older sister in a one-room house where she cares for her two young cousins, cleans the house and sleeps on the floor. Her sister rarely buys her clothes and Elizabeth sometimes has to borrow some from a neighbour. Her sister can't send Elizabeth to school, but someday, she hopes to be a teacher. For Elizabeth, the Child Protection Centre is a haven where she feels loved and cared for – and where, crucially, she has a chance to learn new things and play.
© UNICEF/Kenya2010/Marco Di Lauro
UNICEF is working hard to help disadvantaged and vulnerable children get the education they need to get off the streets for good. Please support our Streets appeal and help us give children like these a brighter future.
© UNICEF/Kenya2010/Marco Di Lauro
