Dancing With New Shoes

At risk street children living in Manyoni, Tanzania dance for joy after receiving new shoes. Most of these kids have never had a pair of new shoes. Less than a year ago, this was a loose group of rag-tag kids making their living from begging on the dusty streets of this little town on the main highway east and west through the country. The new parish priest noticed them and began to ask the merchants and local people about them. Some of these kids live alone, some with one parent, uncle or distant relative. After only six months in the program, the children had demonstrated remarkable change and potential. Under the direction of the leadership team and three committed teachers, one with special training in psychology, the children had progressed through the curriculum at a rapid pace and could write their names, read at a second grade level and do simple math. They learned to cooperate within the group and express their needs in a polite, non-confrontational manner. They followed directions well and asked for advice when they were unsure of how to proceed in addressing a problem. They had become open to the love and care that was being demonstrated to them and started to share those values with others Many of them were able to stand in front of the group to tell a story, showing confidence and self esteem. They began to recognize the value of education and the potential dangers of living on the street. To learn more to to:www.loveandmercycoalition.com

Category:

Nonprofits & Activism

Tags:

• Love
• and
• Mercy