We will be volunteering with Original Volunteers in Mombasa, Kenya to give boys living on the streets or in gangs a second chance. The amazing project offers education opportunities along with support, both socially and mentally, to help them integrate back into society. The goal of the project is to eventually get the boys into the education system with a normal routine and possibly reunite them with their families.

Between 8 and 20 boys attend at any time. Most boys know where it is and arrive when they are mentally ready to give it a go. When spaces become available at the project, we will make trips to the city centre to spread the word and try and encourage more children to leave the familiarity of the streets.

It is the voluntary aspect of the boys arrival which will give them greater chance of success to progress. That is not to say there aren’t still challenges. Some boys find it hard to give up the freedom they had on the streets when they would have had some money of their own and perhaps a ‘patch’ of a street to work on that belonged to them.

At the project they will get used to a routine, learn to trust adults, follow rules and practise studying for the first time. For some boys with drug habits, without money, they will no longer be able to buy drugs so withdrawal symptoms may affect concentration and focus.Training and further education opportunities exist for boys who do well and are ready to progress. Without volunteer support this would simply not be possible.

The money we raise will go towards buying supplies and resources to bring with us to the project. Simple items such as chalk, activity books and pens will make a huge difference for these boys and help us to deliver the best interactive lessons as possible.

The money will also help provide basic items once we are in the local community such as clothes, toothbrushes and ingredients for meals, which we can prepare for the boys.

Myself and Holly will be extremely grateful.