Rescuing children from a life on the streets

What if you were born into poverty in Bolivia – the poorest country in South America? What if the parents you looked up to were unable, or unwilling, to care for you? What if they drank too much, got angry a lot, or abused and neglected you? Or what if they truly loved you and tried, but just could not manage to carry the weight of the world on their shoulders?

Maybe they told themselves that you were “better off” without them when they left you on a street corner saying they’d return. Maybe you convinced yourself that you’d be better off without them out there in the world with no rules, no chores and no school. After all, you’re only eight and you believe in magic. But the magical wishes for a better life fade and are replaced with a harsh reality.

Out on the streets alone, you try to steer clear of those who hurt you, try to stay warm in a cardboard shack with no heat, no clean water, no toilet, and no food. And worse… you soon realize that there is no one in the world who cares; no one to bandage your wounds or hold you when you cry; no one who loves you with an unconditional love. Imagine you’re only eight years old and, somehow, you’ve found yourself all alone with no place to call home and no one to call “Mom” or “Dad.”

But what if someone, far away in another country, decided that your life mattered; that you deserved help. Thank you for recognizing the children at Kaya and playing a part in their lives. We are grateful for you!

Kaya Children International brings these children home to a clean, safe place where they are not only given a warm bed, food, education and medical care… but the love and concern of dedicated staff members 24 hours a day. Kaya provides each child with “wrap-around” services that address not just the physical solutions, but also the root causes and invisible psychological wounds these children bear. Kaya psychologists help the children deal with feelings of loss and mistrust while Kaya’s “Warmi” (means Woman) works with “at risk” mothers to prevent the financial and emotional crises that may lead their children to a life on the streets. Together, let's restore childhoods and change futures.