For the young people and children who have found themselves living on the streets in Lusaka, Zambia, the Chisomo Drop-In centre is a life line. It is a place of safety – a place where they can just sleep without fear of someone kicking them awake and forcing them to move on, or attacking them whilst they sleep. It is a place where they can get access to washing facilities – for themselves and their clothes. It is a place where they can get a meal. It is a place where they can just be kids, and play and have fun. And it is a place where they are reminded that they are special, loved individuals who aren’t forgotten or shunned, and where people care for them.
For so many of the youngsters who have ended up on the streets, due to poverty, or dysfunctional and abusive home lives, or being thrown out by step-parents – the message of acceptance and love that is shown in so many practical ways by the staff of Chisomo, is a really important message for them to hear.
