ENVISIONING A BRIGHT FUTURE

When Bonface was five, he lost both of his parents. His grandparents were heavy drinkers who refused to care for him, and turned Bonface out onto the streets.

One evening Bonface was huddled next to a shed, waiting for the rain to pass, when a familiar group of boys approached. He knew right away what they wanted, because they came often to use him in their robbery scheme. They took Bonface to a quiet house, picked him up and put him in through a window. All he had to do was go around and open the door for them, and he could go.

But something went wrong. When Bonface opened the door, there were shouts, and boys running. Bonface was caught and arrested, along with the other boys who weren’t fast enough to get away. After questioning the boys, officials reported Bonface’s situation to the Kenya children’s department, which referred him to Horizon.

In March 2011, at the age of six, Bonface was welcomed into Baba Nyumbani, where his childhood was restored.

Instead of a street gang of older boys who used him to serve their purposes, through Horizon, Bonface discovered a community that nurtures, respects, and encourages him. Instead of using his wits to secure food and shelter, he is applying them to his studies.

Today, Bonface is a good student who describes himself as “brainy.” His favorite food is chicken and french fries.

With proper care and support, Bonface has become a joyful child who loves to dance and sing gospel music. Recently, he composed a Swahili song, Nikikumbuka Ulikonitoa, Nashukuru, which means, “When I remember where you brought me from, God, I say thank you.”

Boniface has also developed a strong sense of hope, envisioning a bright future for himself. When he grows up, he wants to become a pilot.