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Belief in God in the streets differs from person to person. Mike recalls the day when he sat with his friends trying to educate and convince them about the dangers of bostik as well as the love of God. “They couldn’t listen, they were as hard as rock. The discussion even became emotional such that one of them pushed me towards a moving car that passed on top of my leg. The man who was driving could not stop hence I just lay there crying and only my close friend Paul came to my aid. He dragged me off the road and tried to fix my dry wound.” He evoked. Asked how he treated his abrasion, Mike said that he was both physically and financially incapable of going to the hospital hence he just lay in his home, washed his feet by the nearby tap, cleaned it with a piece of cloth he had picked from the streets, applied Panadol onto the fresh parts of the wounds and slept. Panadol is one of the common painkillers that one can get from a dispensing pharmacist with no prescription.
Erroneous self-prescriptions are common on the streets and are the common way street kids dealt with their illness since most of them could not afford paying the enormous medical fees charged on them at the hospitals in our country where there is no medical scheme for the underprivileged and the old. Mike stated that at times you could get seriously ill and there is no one to help you, you go to the streets and sleep in the open such with hope that it may attract one’s attention but to no avail. “Rarely, good Samaritans can pick you up and take you to the clinic but even the medical care that side leaves nothing to be desired. You are just given panadol…I bet that is why most street kids use it because they know that when I go to the hospital, they will give me the same thing hence going to the hospital isn’t such a big bother to most of us…” bemoaned Mike. Other kids are reported to be dying in the streets due to the lack of proper or no medical care at all.
Flames of hope and dreams of making it one day still flare in the lives of many of these kids. Mike’s dream of great consequence is going to school in the days to come. He marvels at the kids who go to school, that makes him cry as he comprehends that he could have been in school by that time instead of the streets. “I want to know how to write, chiefly letters. I then can start working and become rich. In no time, I will be driving a car and in next to no time I will become president Mwanawasa one day. I want to be president one day and all that can come from school only.” He says.
Asked if the worst came to the worst whether he could get involved in theft and armed robbery, Mike said that he is scared of being jailed and that could be the last remedy. “I don’t think that I will stay in these streets for long, if you can take me with you to your place then I will not have to do that. Therefore, can I come with you, please? I promised to be good, you can trust me, and many people do that.” He stated with tears dwindling down his cheeks. “One day, a man went round with an intercom announcing that the police were going to come round and arrest all of us. They will take us to the state farms where we are going to be forced to work with no reward” he continued.
Solicited for words out to the public, Mike said that “ All I want is a proper home, food and love that are eternal, to go to school, own a car…overall I would say that I want a family and home…I also want to feel loved.”
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Joseph-Peter
A wise man once told me that there are only two best weapons that you can have in this world: a pen and your mouth. The good thing about these two weapons is that they don't run out of ammunition, unless you decide to stop firing. That ammunition is words.
I am a person who is vocal but I have come to know that when I write about something, I write it with total consideration and commitment, more so than I do when talking. I have a passion for writting. I believe that scripts are capable of changing lives of many - including the author.
I trust in words and as long as I play with them in the right way, they are able to get me either into or out of any situation.
Let words battle it out for you.
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Comments
Its a tough world we live in Samson Nduleme Onwusonye | Mar 18th, 2004
Mike is a picture you find everywhere, in the village as a young girl dreading genital mutilation, in war torn regions as a refugee, in the prison yards, and even in public schools!
There are hardly any solutions to these problems in the society, these suffering and hardship can only be minimized, and that is saying plenty.
First most street-wise kids and kid soldiers have become hardened that appeals may not be enough to accept them to an average home. They become the government's problem. Female kids prostituting would most likely not have a decent man propose to them, they grow old in the profession.
Prevention is the key word. Genital mutilation should be outlawed (thankfully this is the case in most countries), prostitution be prohibited and kids (including adults) should never be allowed to make under bridges etc their homes, this is a veritable breeding ground for future robbers.
Forgive me for saying this, but I would not allow someone like Mike come stay with me, and I think I am speaking for millions!
Gopi krishna Bhattarai | Apr 6th, 2004
the article u write is touchable.
Children without Homes Sardar Taimur Hyat-Khan | Apr 19th, 2004
The SOS program of homes for homeless children is the best way of dealing with this problem. SOS Austria has done a great service to humanity and this needs support. Please find SOS resources near you and support them. Also see if you can start a Children's village. Timur
sardar Taimur Hyat-Khan
Chairman for
Khidmat (Service Foundation)
Pakistan & Azad Kashmir
Yeah,they need help.But how? Mwangi munyua | Apr 29th, 2004
I really identify with Mike's case.In Kenya the situation is not much different and the likes of Mike are to be found in all the major cities across the country.But there is a ray of hope .A pilot project is being undertaken in Nairobi,Kenya's capital where the kids are collected and after bei8ng rehabilitated at various social centres in the city,are enrolled into the national youth service where they undergo vocational training and are armed with skills to enable them work and earn a living .With support from the public and other partners,the govt has trained about 600 former street children and our city streets now have a markedly fewer number of street families.I'm positive that with commitment and willingness from the govt ,other countries like zambia can also initiate such projects and become a success.Or what do you think?
kevin anyim | Jun 8th, 2004
After reading test about about MIKE, I personally supported to rendered him a help but we have to look very well and got informations of reality and will be very sure of the story before doing anything help. The above is my suquestion if not been carefull the help will look like if you are poilling salt into the sea. Thanks. Kevin Anyim.
carefully help kevin anyim | Jun 8th, 2004
After reading test about about MIKE, I personally supported to rendered him a help but we have to look very well and got informations of reality and will be very sure of the story before doing anything help. The above is my suquestion if not been carefull the help will look like if you are poilling salt into the sea. Thanks. Kevin Anyim.
street children katanagi penelope dorothy | Jul 4th, 2004
the problem of street children is a very serious one, afterall the child is the future, so more emphasis and seriousness should be put on this matter.penelope in uganda
Nourhan Mohammad Aboulabbas | Jul 16th, 2004
Reading this made me unable to think of anything except the the crulety of the world we live in. A reality where children have to suffer that much is one that can hardly be described as beautiful, but rather as brutal and ugly. Thinking about this breaks my heart, I wish there is something we can do to change this.
Socialisation at the root melissa | Aug 8th, 2004
I often spend time talking to the "mishangas" on the streets of Lusaka. These are the older street boys that have learnt how to suvive in the steets, selling cigarettes, drugs, stolen goods, fruit or toys... their knowledge of the city and its dwellers is immense...
What i have come to understand and accept is that once the boys have learnt how to survive on the streets they often fail to keep jobs of other types, trying for a while but eventually landing up back to what theyre used to..
The root to solving the problem is in cases as Mikes when they are young and vulnerable to the harsh reality of the life they did not chose to be a part of. The aid and often rehablitation of these younger kids is what Zambia and other countries similar situations need to concentrate on.
Often govts put money into helping a large number of street children as the case in Kenya, with a very low success rate.......
Like everything else in life is there a selection process....
my knees atinukemi oshodi | Aug 14th, 2004
everytime i see or hear about street kids like mike,i can only fall on my knees and thank God for my life.it is unfortunate that mike has been born into the direct hardship of life without his choice.i believe his story is a reason to appreciate life and to support life.
people like mike should not be judged or condenmed becos of the situations or deeds, we must not also becos we could have been there and he could have been the one to hear our story.
i believe the government should be the saving grace to mike and thousands of his kind.but sincerely,must government are impossible which boils down to non governmental associations or organisations like sos.and other humanitarian homeless orgs.individual or community contributions too, go along way in slashing street kids to half or more.
WHY? Moana Brooker | Aug 26th, 2004
I cried after eading Mike's story and i feel like an insignificant bystandre unable to do anything but feel for Mike but is that enough? Living in a country with so much opportunity and support for those dealt a harsh life like Mike i am angered at the daily complaints of those vain people around me of not having the latest fashion trends or having an overprotective parent. So much we take for granted and so much we have, yet there are still kids like Mike living out there, the one thing i am scared to admitt is that Mike is probably a more nicer and considerate kid than some of my own family and yet he is suffering. It just doesn't seem fair.
Growing up....? Emeka | Sep 3rd, 2004
In one's early life..., whether as a young adolescent or a young adult, there is always the need for a learning process.
Mistakes are to condemn one for life..., rather a preparatory towards life realities and expectations too.....
Ability to get up as many times as possible when down..., determines one's eagerness to strive for survival......
so.., it's better to pick up as quickly as you realise your mistakes..., makes amends where necessary..., and life continues....
Never give up on yourself..., 'cause life holds so much in future..., and only the strong can uphold till the very end....
Keep trying..., never get deterred..., even when weary......
Let's Help enat | Oct 4th, 2004
It
love, life and its misfortunes avril fairclough | Oct 29th, 2004
Everyone needs to be loved by at least one other person even if they are trying to grow up. i feel really guilty to be sitting here with so much whilst he doesn't but that is a fact of life. life is by no means fair. It doesn't mean we carry on doing what we are donig with no thought for them but merely to realise that the world doesn't evolve around us and that when we find something to complain about there are many more people who requiire it more. be grateful for what you have-even share it, donate it or help someone else less fortunate then yourself. Mike's story was great, you write well!
A friend in need is a friend indeed ShahidSaju | Nov 20th, 2004
It will not be out of place if I say that this world is a miracle and open proof of Gods presence no matter what science says. Therefore all the presence in this world is creature of God no doubt. We should praise and follow the rules and regulations of our creature who created us all. One of the foundation key to success and please our creator is to love others the way we love to ours. This I extend my hands to shake for friendship and help I could do for others. Hope the same from you too.
Beautiful creations of this world ShahidSaju | Nov 20th, 2004
The system and artistic display of the articles of this world represent the creator and His nature. Beauty is really life. Love beauty as things that have beauty creates joy and spirit in our life. What a beautiful poetic stanza said by some one "THINGS OF BEAUTY IS JOY FOR EVER" I believe in this.
Remembering RMakeham | Nov 22nd, 2004
The story about Mike homeless life had brought back some of my childhood memories of what it was like for me living on the streets in America!
It wasn't pretty then, I too had to struggle for a meal, and I know what it is like to go to bed hungry many times over, the dangers lurks everywhere no matter where a child is force to lived at on the streets, there are pimps who prey on children and the druggies too, sleeping in abandon cars, hiding out up a tree to saved my own neck, seeing other kids being beaten, having bottles and rocks thrown at you, being blamed for something you didn't do, it is hard life indeed to grow up too fast as a child of the streets.
God Have A beautiful plan For Mike chiquitita nelche yolanda | Nov 22nd, 2004
It' getting hard to understand the way of this life. Mike' s just one of the example of the homeless child. there're still so many others who live their life like that. How could it happened? maybe it's all because nobody wants to care about their suffer. just like me i'm really sad to know that problems, but i couldnt' do anything now i'm just a teen, but i just only can pray that God will open somebody's heart to help the people like Mike, cause i'm sure that God have a beautiful plan among this problems.
UNFAIR WORLD! hussein hashim | Jan 12th, 2005
Mike's story is not new.The fact that the author of this article thought it wise to comment on this important issue is an indication that there are still people who feel for the plight of the less privileged.I was disappoinnted to read Samson's comment about rendering help to people like mike.It is essential to note that some of these people never set out to end up in the streets.Sometimes, as in the case of Mike, circumstances play a highly pivotal role in turning people's lives and aspirations upside down.I quite agree with Melissa on the contention that it is difficult to rehabilitate street kids,But shouldn't we keep trying?
IT REMINDS US AGAIN IN WHAT KIND OF A WORLD WE R LIVING IN batool | Mar 5th, 2005
I liked the story very much and it's so touching ...but i think to the real facts of the streets in night nowadays mike is soo lucky bcoz the truth is that these young ppl who live in the streets r going through alot they see things no one can stand and if we didn't try to help them they'll end up dead or they'll do some criminal things to live or they'll just continue living this way so PLZ anyone who has the power or can help don't hesitate bcoz u don't know u might end up in the streets oneday
Beautiful story- very touching Chandru Kalro | Apr 13th, 2005
This is a very heart wrenching story. How can we help Mike and others?
PLEASE WAKE UP!!! Dieu Hoa | Jul 1st, 2005
This story itself has waken up everybody in the world. Mike is just one of homeless children all over the world. They themselves have to cope with this difficult and unfair life day by day without their parents' care. They should have got a house to live peacefully, gone to school and had a beautiful childhood just like other children in the world. We are so lucky that we have our own families and our own houses. I'm sure everyone has seen plenty of homeless children living in the streets, but what have you donefor them??? Have you done anything or just tried to ignore them? I think it's time for everyone to wake up. We should do something to help those poor children, for instance we can build houses and take care of homeless children in our local area. It's difficult, ofcourse. But if everyone tries their best to do this, I think homeless children all over the world will have a better life and a bright future in a short time.
Life is not always a bed of roses Olushola Agbaje | Jul 16th, 2005
Nice write up by the author,but one thing that cross my mind when i was reading the storyof mike was that even when one is from a bad background he/she can still right the wrong.Although people tend to be lakcadaisical in one way or the otherprobably, when things are not moving simultaneously.but then one decision determines he's /her destiny.mike's case is a very sympathetic story.i wish him brightest future as he move ahead to find a way out for the society of his life .But lets help mike to make headway in life.as frantz fanon saiad "every generation out of he's or her relative obscurity wil discover he/ her own mission,it is left for him / her to either fulfill it or betray it" lets fulfill ours by giving mike a helping hand.
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