Empowering Local Communities: A Partnership with Healing Hands International

Written by: Monicah Mureithi, Director of Programs

This month, MADE IN THE STREETS took a meaningful step forward in our mission to prevent street-connected childhood by empowering families and communities - starting in Mwingi. Mwingi, a dry region in Kenya's Kitui County, faces major challenges including food insecurity, lack of clean water, and limited income opportunities - factors that contribute heavily to child vulnerability and, ultimately, children ending up on the streets.

When we reintegrated our first two boys, Joseph and Daniel, back into their family in Mwingi, we discovered that their story was not isolated. Many other children in the area face similar hardships that push them to the streets in search of survival.

Motivated by this reality, and in keeping with our updated vision of "empowered communities", MADE IN THE STREETS returned to Mwingi - not for reintegration this time, but for prevention.

Through a new partnership with Healing Hands International, we hosted the Women of Hope Conference, which brought together 75 women from the community. These women, mobilized by Joseph and Daniel's grandmother, took part in two days of family strengthening and economic empowerment training. The program taught participants to make liquid soap, shampoo, detergents, and other marketable products using locally available materials.

More than just skills, the Women of Hope program offers the opportunity for real, sustainable change. Those who complete the training and qualify will receive small loans to start or grow their own businesses, giving mothers and caregivers the tools they need to support their families and prevent the cycles that lead to child vulnerability.

As part of this growing collaboration, we are also working with Healing Hands International to explore long-term water solutions in the region. One potential initiative includes drilling a borehole for the school where Joseph and Daniel are now enrolled. The school currently relies solely on rainwater to cook meals - meaning that when the tanks run dry, learning stops, attendance drops, and dignity is compromised.

The school's population has already decreased from 700 to 545 due to this water crisis.

Clean water supports education. Education supports futures. This is prevention in action.

At MADE IN THE STREETS, we believe every child belongs in a family - not on the streets. Empowering caregivers, restoring dignity, and addressing root causes through partnerships like this one is how we'll get there - one community at a time.