Street Outreach Activities
At our organization, we are dedicated to supporting street-involved youth aged 14 to 18. Our compassionate street social workers actively seek out these young individuals, understanding their daily routines, including where they sleep and how they earn their livelihood. Our commitment goes beyond mere observation; we engage with these boys and girls daily, ensuring their safety and well-being. Our outreach activities are structured into three impactful categories: football training sessions, which promote physical health and teamwork; life skills sessions, which equip them with essential tools for daily living; and street work, where we meet them in their environment to provide support and guidance. Together, these efforts form the cornerstone of our mission to empower these young people towards a brighter, more stable future.
Football training sessions
In Mwanza, Tanzania, we harness the universal language of football to transform the lives of street children. Our program focuses on young individuals who live and work on the streets, as well as those residing in shelters provided by our partners. Our goal is to discover and nurture their football talents, offering them a pathway to join football academies or teams. This opportunity has the potential to secure contracts for these youths, creating a ripple effect that can uplift their families and alter their futures for the better. We host sessions three days a week where we teach our children the fundamentals of football, instilling not only the skills of the sport but also the values of teamwork, discipline, and perseverance. Through football, we aim to provide them with structure, support, and the chance to dream of a life beyond the streets. This initiative is more than just about playing a game; it's about providing hope and opening doors to new possibilities. For two days we visit the shelters of our partners where we coach football to children who used to be in the streets.
Life skills sessions
Education is at the core of our efforts, Our life skills sessions are a cornerstone of our outreach program, designed to support young people who are homeless. Each session, hosted in environments where these young people spend their days and nights allows us the opportunity to delve into various topics that not only aid them in navigating street life but also in becoming responsible citizens. The importance of these sessions cannot be overstated. They offer a platform for young people to voice their daily struggles and engage in meaningful discussions on overcoming obstacles. We actively listen and encourage them to contribute ideas that they believe would enhance the value of these sessions. We firmly believe that these life skills sessions play a pivotal role in improving the mental health of these young individuals. By equipping them with the necessary tools and knowledge, we aim to foster their social inclusion, giving them the confidence and support they need to envision a life beyond the streets. Through these interactions, we are committed to helping them build a foundation for a more stable and hopeful future.
Street Work
Our street work is a vital part of our mission to support vulnerable young people. Every night and early morning, our team takes to the streets with a clear purpose: to pinpoint the locations where these young individuals gather, rest, and work. By understanding their routines and environments, we can tailor our support to meet their unique needs. Building positive relationships with the local community is key to our approach. We connect with food vendors, business owners, and others who regularly interact with these youths. These connections are more than just strategic; they’re about fostering a network of trust and care. Through these relationships, we not only help provide external support for the youth but also ensure their safety. Our presence in the streets means we’re often the first point of contact in case of emergencies, acting as a bridge between the youth and the wider support system. Our commitment to street work in Mwanza City goes beyond mere assistance, it’s about creating a safety net woven with trust, opportunity, and a sense of community.
Community Engagement
Our organization actively engages the community through a threefold approach that fosters connection and support for street children, through these programs, we aim to create a supportive environment that not only includes street children but also empowers the community to play an active role in their well-being and development.
Junior Kickers
This initiative brings together children from the community who are not street-involved. It’s a platform for fostering unity and understanding through the shared love of football, creating friendship and awareness in the community for street children.
By involving community members, we break down stereotypes and misconceptions. We encourage empathy and understanding, fostering an environment where everyone feels responsible for the welfare of every child in the community.
Get Together
We organize events where community members and street children come together to participate in various activities including fun games. These events are crucial for breaking down barriers and building relationships between the street children and the wider community.
Community leaders, teachers, and parents become our allies. They actively participate in our programs, advocating for better policies and resources to support street children.
Community Champions
We acknowledge and honour individuals who go above and beyond to support street children when we’re not present. This recognition celebrates their efforts and inspires others in the community to take similar initiatives. These heroes put themselves in line to protect the young people in the streets.
We firmly believe that lasting change begins at the community level. Our awareness campaigns educate residents about the plight of street children. We organize workshops, seminars, and community meetings to sensitize people to the challenges faced by these young souls.
Community members learn how to identify and report cases of child abuse, exploitation, and neglect. They become advocates for policy reforms, pushing for better social services and stronger legal protections.