A sound mind in a sound body.
Life on the streets takes a serious toll on the health and development of children. Glue sniffing, malnutrition, poor hygiene, and lack of essential nutrients often lead boys to arrive at our Ciloto facilities with serious health problems. These factors commonly result in nervous system disorders, cardiovascular issues, digestive problems, urinary tract infections, stunted growth, and bone abnormalities. Poor hygiene also contributes to skin conditions, including scabies and fungal infections.
In addition to these chronic issues, our boys often require daily care for common ailments like headaches, stomach aches, flu, and colds. As active children, they frequently come to caregivers with injuries from playing football, climbing trees, or minor accidents.
Some of our pupils also live with sickle cell anaemia, a genetic condition common in Central and Southern Africa that affects hemoglobin. Without proper medication, the disease can cause severe complications, including organ failure and even death. Unfortunately, the necessary daily medicines are very expensive and often beyond the reach of families in Makululu.
To address the growing challenges of streetism and poverty, we opened a second facility, Ciloto 2, an intensive rehabilitation centre where we provide treatment and support for recovery from glue and substance addiction.
Thanks to the support of our donors, we are able to provide medication not only to boys in our facilities but also to those reintegrated with their families. We regularly meet with families to ensure the boys take their medication as prescribed and maintain their health.
Our regular care program currently supports 60 to 80 boys. The demand for medicines, dressings, and medical care is high, but with the generosity of our supporters, we strive to ensure that every child stays healthy, grows properly, and has the strength to learn, play, and explore the world.
After all, a sound mind dwells in a sound body.
