Jesse Bluma at Pointe Viven: Click, Ship, and Join Me in Supporting the Garcia Sports Foundation: The Power of a Jersey

The Power of a Jersey: The Garcia Sports Foundation

I was recently told by my friend and top soccer athlete David Garcia about his foundation. The Garcia Sports Foundation works with FIKISHA, an organization that helps street children in Africa. Street child is a term used for a homeless child residing in the streets of a city (typically in a developing country). In most of the cases they have no adult supervision or care. They are often subject to abuse, neglect, exploitation, or in extreme cases, murder by “cleanup squads” hired by local business or police. In every developing country the rights of the children is well respected, the same does not apply when it comes to street children. This clearly indicates how they are ignored, not only with their families, also by the government policies.

FIKISHA is a Swahili word which means - Enable to reach. FIKISHA assists in bringing restoration, independence, and hope to the homeless youth in the slums of Nairobi.

The members of FIKISHA have supported boys to go back to formal education. Acquired preparation room for boys who are ready to go back to school. Constructed a shower block in partnership with Heart-to-Heart Orphan Children Centre. Established mentorship program whereby boys have specific mentors. Created two days rehabilitation program meant to change the boys negative habits while providing them with opportunities to gain life skills, human skills and other skills that would be necessary for their personal development. Reconnected some boys with their families. Transformed some boys into independent and responsible individuals. Established legal aid and advocacy programs. Their future plans include: Supporting more boys to go back to formal school. Offering technical and vocational trainings to the older boys. Involve and empower the community. Having foster families. Establish income generating activities for self-reliance and sustainability. Increase resource mobilization activities, locally and internationally. Own a rehabilitation centre.