This archive report was first published on 8 June 2020.
Published on June 8, 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic has brought unprecedented challenges to communities worldwide. In Kenya, many street children and homeless people continue to live on the streets, unaware of the dangers that surround them.
Antony Perez Wanjiru, a young man from Githurai, has taken it upon himself to reach out to this vulnerable community. Despite facing financial instability, Antony has been mobilizing people to help the street children in his area.
"I decided to mobilize people to help the street children in Githurai 45, 44, and partially Roysambu after I noticed that they were going on with life as usual," Antony says. "Later, when they told me about their experiences of police beatings after the curfew, I advised them to look for cheap housing where they would at least be spending the night. That's when they found a mabati shanty that houses them for Sh25 per night. Due to financial constraints, we are only been able to pay for their temporary housing, get them something to eat, and offer them masks and sanitizers," he adds.
Antony's motivation to help others stems from his own experiences of growing up in poverty and facing rejection and abuse. He knows what it means to sleep hungry and lack basic necessities.
"I know what it means to sleep hungry and to lack. I have faced rejection and have lost a brother due to hunger. These are some of the things that motivate me," Antony shares.
Despite the challenges he has faced, Antony is determined to change his life and that of others. He is now a psychology student at Daystar University and leads a foundation called The Pillar Youth Group, which aims to support orphans and the less fortunate in society.
"The Pillar Youth Group is a composed of young people, some are working while others are university students. Our aim is to support orphans and the less fortunate. Sometimes we receive support from well-wishers. Some of the people who have supported us include Jane Mumbi, Mary Njeri, Mama Rona, Maxie Security Limited amongst others," Antony says.
Antony's foundation has had some success stories, including transforming the lives of two former street kids through vocational training. He also uses his Facebook page to highlight authentic vulnerable cases of bright students, which has led to two students receiving full scholarships from well-wishers.
However, with the current isolation and social distancing regulations in place, business has been slow for Antony, making it harder to support others. He is keeping up with the e-learning program at school and selling second-hand clothes and working as an Uber driver to make ends meet.
