Vulnerable children from Thika’s Kiandutu slum have benefitted from a two-month mentorship programme during this December holiday, aimed at guiding them away from drugs, early pregnancies and other street dangers.
The event convened at Kianjau Primary School in Thika brought together boys and girls aged roughly nine to 17, who have been attending daily sessions receiving counseling, career guidance and life skills coaching.
The organizer, Dr. Susan Gitau, who runs the Moyo wa Huruma project, said the initiative keeps the children out of the slum’s risky streets during this long holiday period and steers them toward responsible living.
By providing a safe, structured space, the programme gives the youths a much‑needed alternative to loitering where they could easily fall into substance abuse, abuse, mugging, or early pregnancies.
Dr. Gitau, speaking during the closing ceremony of the forum yesterday stressed that mentoring and career guidance also opens a window to professional paths they might not otherwise see, as well as planting seeds for future careers and community uplift.
“What we have witnessed are many children who are willing to work hard and get out of the slums, which is quite encouraging,” she said, urging more well‑wishers to support the children with sanitary supplies, school fees and food. She noted the high number of needy youths in the area.
A recent education‑sector report on the same project underscores the scale and intent of this work with over 1,000 at‑risk young people benefitting with mentorship, counselling and meals during holidays.
A parent at the event led by Caroline Njenga hailed the programme as a game‑changer in weeding out criminal behavior in the slums.
Caroline, whose child took part, said without it, many youngsters would have remained in the streets, drifting into drugs or other irresponsible behaviors common there.
The sessions also unveiled hidden talents with children showcasing skills that Njenga believes, if nurtured, could help families escape poverty over time.
Additionally, Dr. Gitau called on the Judiciary to deliver justice swiftly in child‑abuse cases, noting that victims often miss out when witnesses fail to give evidence.
She said that strong, timely legal action is yet another pillar needed alongside community mentorship to protect and empower vulnerable children.
By Muoki Charles
