For street children in East Africa, there is somewhere to go. It’s called The Desirable Place, an organization that is tackling the many obstacles these children face.
When The Desirable Place started in 2018 they wanted to feed street children with food and the Gospel. They learned that feeding them was just the beginning. These children lack shelter, food, education, health, and welfare services. Often they face drug and alcohol abuse situations and need guidance and counseling.
The Desirable Place decided that a holistic approach was the best way to help these children and change their lives all while dispensing a heavy dose of God’s love. By partnering with other organizations that specialize in one of these areas The Desirable Place got to work. Today, they serve about 160 kids and Kapu Africa (Midwest Food Bank East Africa) is one of the partners. Kapu Africa provides nutritional Tender Mercies meals that help boost immunity and allow these children to be active and engaged in the classroom.
Putting a face and a name to these children is important, too. Let us introduce you to Reagan and Al-Mahad.
Reagan Odhiambo, 19, ran away from home about seven years ago. “He felt like he would never amount to much as he lived every day going through the same hardships,” says Christine Mutsoli, Administrator for Kapu Africa.
The balanced meals provided by Kapu Africa are part of Reagan’s journey. He enjoys playing the guitar, singing, and football. Christine describes him as “vibrant, confidant and focused on his future.
“Al-Mahad Gadafi, 17, arrived at The Desirable Place about three years ago. He has embraced education and is currently at an 8th-grade level. Because of his natural leadership abilities, Al-Mahad has been given the responsibility of overseeing other boys as they complete their chores. He recently found his family.
“He has struggled through life but we see a boy determined to make his life better,” says Christine. “He is eager to work hard to change the poverty that runs in the family.”
Kapu Africa is thankful to be a small part in Reagan and Al-Mahad’s stories. Donations support the meals that are served at The Desirable Place, supporting health, nutrition, education, and most importantly demonstrating the love of God.
