Nuru Foundation Spreads Christmas Cheer to Over 250 Street Children in Uasin Gishu

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The celebration went beyond just providing meals. It offered the children a sense of belonging during a time traditionally spent with family. With no families or homes, many of these children face loneliness and neglect.

In a heartwarming celebration of love, generosity, and community spirit, the Nuru Foundation, under the leadership of founder Hellen Jeptoo, marked Christmas by hosting over 250 street children in Langas, Uasin Gishu County. The event, held in collaboration with Bethsaida City Baptist Church, treated the children to a festive meal and a day of joy, aiming to show them they are not forgotten.

“We are deeply grateful to God and to the church for graciously hosting us today as we share a Christmas meal with these children,” said Jeptoo. “Many of them have lived on the streets for years without the love of parents or relatives. Our mission is to bring love, care, and hope to those who have been abandoned by society. This season, we’ve reached out to different areas to spread the spirit of Christmas, providing food and joy to as many people as possible.”

The celebration went beyond just providing meals. It offered the children a sense of belonging during a time traditionally spent with family. With no families or homes, many of these children face loneliness and neglect. However, for a few hours, they experienced warmth and compassion. Over 250 plates of food were served, each meal a symbol of kindness and care.

Nuru Foundation brings the spirit of Christmas to life, serving meals to hundreds of street-connected youth in a celebration of love and hope.

The event also highlighted systemic challenges faced by street children. Benson Juma Akumu, a reformed street child and rights activist, thanked the Nuru Foundation for its support while shedding light on the struggles these children endure.

“Many of these children are over 28 years old and have never had the chance to obtain an identity card,” Akumu said. “Without proper documentation, they cannot access employment or government services. Some of them have lived on the streets since birth, so expecting them to have the same paperwork as others is unfair. The government must act to issue identity cards to these children so they can build better futures.”

Akumu called on the Ministry of the Interior to expedite the process of issuing legal documentation. “These children have the potential to contribute positively to society, but they need support to do so. Identity cards are a crucial first step toward their social inclusion,” he added.

Rev. Dennis Oyancha of Bethsaida City Baptist Church expressed his gratitude for the foundation’s efforts. “We thank God for giving us the opportunity to celebrate Christmas differently this year,” he said. “In our church, over three-quarters of our members are former street children. We understand their struggles, and the Nuru Foundation’s impact on their lives is immeasurable. We pray that other organizations will step up to help those who are often left behind, especially street children.”

The celebration also provided a platform for the children to share their feelings. Yvonne Koech, a 24-year-old street child, expressed her joy and gratitude. “This has been the best Christmas I’ve ever had,” she said. “We’ve never experienced anything like this before. I hope more people will join the Nuru Foundation in helping us. We just want to be treated like normal people and included in society.”

Another child, Mercy Atieno, added, “Thank you for the love you’ve shown us today. It’s rare for us to enjoy a meal like this. May God bless you for your kindness. We have dreams, and today, we feel like we matter.”

Juma Akumu addresses the media, highlighting the urgent need for the government to provide national identity cards to street-connected youth, enabling access to essential rights and opportunities.

The Nuru Foundation’s outreach in Langas is part of its broader mission to support over 5,000 street children in Uasin Gishu County. These children often face dire circumstances, including health challenges and exclusion from opportunities due to lack of documentation. The foundation has been at the forefront of providing food, shelter, education, and advocacy for systemic change.

“Street children are often treated as outcasts, but they are human beings, just like anyone else,” Jeptoo emphasized. “They deserve their rights to be protected and opportunities to live productive lives. This Christmas celebration is a small step in raising awareness and inspiring others to help.”

As the festive season continues, the Nuru Foundation is urging the government, local leaders, and well-wishers to work together to find lasting solutions for the thousands of street children in Uasin Gishu. Through collective action, society can ensure these children are given the chance to lead empowered and dignified lives.

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