Recently, I had the privilege of organizing a street feeding event in downtown Nairobi, where we served 137 warm meals to families experiencing homelessness, including children. This personal project was driven by the belief that everyone deserves dignity and access to nutritious food. After attending my first street feeding event with Because ALL Children Matter (BACM) board members, I was inspired by the chance to confront the realities of homelessness in downtown Nairobi and offer help in a meaningful way. With the generous support of friends and family, I set out to provide warm, balanced meals to those in need.
I partnered with the incredible women from Scotty’s Rescue Center, which is funded by Because ALL Children Matter (BACM). Together, we woke up at 4 AM to start preparing the meals, filled with a sense of purpose and urgency. By noon, all 137 meals were prepared and packed. Our next task began as we made our way downtown to meet with the families we were serving. I was both nervous and excited.
As we distributed the meals, the joy and gratitude from those we served were overwhelming. Families, many of whom hadn’t eaten a full meal in days, were overjoyed to receive their meals. One particular moment that stood out was the compliments I received about the generous portions of meat—made possible by the kindness of our donors. It was heartwarming to see the direct impact of our hard work. What I will always remember are the smiles on people’s faces, the countless “asante sanas” (thank you very much) that filled the air, and the sense of connection I felt with the families I met—many for the very first time. Each grateful expression reminded me of the impact of our efforts, even in the face of obstacles.
However, the experience also brought challenges. Despite my goal of serving 137 meals, the feeling of running out of food is always present. When the last plate was given out, and I saw more hungry faces, it was a reminder of the ongoing need for support and action in these communities. As I left the site that day, I was reminded that while fundraising is important, there is always more we can do together to make a difference. This awareness fuels my passion to continue advocating for those in need. Street feedings are not just about providing food; they are a way to confront the realities of poverty head-on. Imagine an 8-year-old girl waking up on the bustling streets of downtown Nairobi, still in her school uniform, without a proper breakfast. This is the reality for many children in our world today. That’s why organizations like BACM and Scotty’s Rescue Center are essential; they remind us that ALL HUMANS MATTER.
As I left the site that day, I felt drained physically and emotionally, but I also felt accomplished, with my heart full. The sight of toddlers with their mothers, excited to meet me and share stories about their little ones, was a reminder of the human connections we can forge, even in difficult circumstances. The reality of children living on the streets is something I still struggle with. It will never feel ‘normal’ to me, nor do I ever want it to. I envision a place for every child where they feel safe and protected from the harsh realities of life on the streets of a bustling city. Every child deserves that sense of security and care.
This experience reminded me of why community service is so important. Community service has always held a special place in my heart. It is about extending our humanity to others and recognizing the daily comforts we often take for granted: clean water, a roof over our heads, and three meals a day. This experience reinforced the importance of travel with purpose. When we give our time and resources to help others, we engage in the true work of humanity. I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to several individuals who made this event possible. A big shoutout to BACM VP Johnson for assisting with transportation, to our special volunteer Sonya for helping me to distribute food, and to Deanne, the CEO of BACM, for her guidance regarding budgeting for such a significant event.
I encourage everyone to get involved in similar initiatives. Donating, volunteering, or even sharing your experiences can help raise awareness about these critical issues. Until you’ve walked the streets of downtown Nairobi and seen the challenges faced by so many, you may never fully grasp the urgency of the situation. In the words of the saying, “It takes a village to raise a child,” I firmly believe it also takes a village for CHANGE. Let’s come together to make a difference. Remember, every small act of kindness counts, and together, we can create a ripple effect of compassion and support.
Ja’Neisha – Volunteer at Because ALL Children Matter (BACM) | July 2024 – October 2024
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