During my visit to the Dandora Dumpsite in Nairobi, I was deeply shocked by the reality I witnessed. The dumpsite, one of the most neglected areas in Kenya, is home to thousands of people who make a living by sorting through trash. However, what struck me most were the young children I saw children as young as five or six following their mothers through the piles of garbage. Instead of attending school, these children were working alongside their mothers, scavenging for recyclables just to survive.

As I walked deeper into the site, I also met teen mothers. Some were barely teenagers, yet they had already taken on the responsibility of raising their own children while working in the dumpsite. These young girls, without any support or resources, were forced to make ends meet in the most difficult and dangerous conditions. There was no access to proper healthcare, no chance for education, and their rights as young girls and mothers were being denied.

Seeing this overwhelming struggle in front of me, I couldn’t walk away. It was clear to me that something had to be done. I could not just stand by and let these children and mothers continue to suffer. That day, I made a firm decision that Barrizi Organization Kenya would take immediate action.

We’ve already made significant progress. So far, we’ve rescued over 60 teen mothers from the dumpsite and given them the opportunity to leave that dangerous environment. Through our vocational training programs, these young mothers are learning new skills like sewing, hairdressing, and business management skills that will help them earn a stable income and support their families without returning to the dumpsite.

We’ve also focused on the children, enrolling them in schools so they can receive the education they deserve and break the cycle of poverty. These children, who once had no opportunity for a better future, are now attending school with hope in their hearts. We’ve provided them with uniforms, books, and the support they need to succeed.

In addition to education, we’ve set up healthcare services for the families. Many of the people living and working in the dumpsite had no access to even basic medical care. Now, through our outreach programs, we’ve been able to provide maternal care, vaccinations, and treatment for common illnesses.

When I think about what we’ve accomplished so far, I’m filled with hope, but I know our work is far from finished. We will continue to fight for these children and young mothers, ensuring they have the tools they need to escape poverty and create a better future.

I want to thank everyone who has supported Barrizi Organization Kenya our donors, volunteers, and partners. Your help has made it possible for us to rescue these children and teen mothers and offer them the chance to build a life filled with opportunity and hope. Together, we can make a real, lasting difference.