Drawn to a boiled maize vendor one afternoon in November 2014, Clifford Oluoch noticed two young boys bargaining with the trader to sell them cobs at half the cost. Reason: they were hungry and didn’t have enough money. Clifford was simply taking a stroll that day but he later had a reason to understand the meaning behind the saying ‘everything happens for a reason’.
He bought the boys maize, and they disappeared, only to return with three other street boys also in need of something small to bite. Three boiled maize cobs later another fifteen were brought to him. That day, he fed 20 street boys. He hadn’t planned for it but was glad that he was able to help. When one of the boys boldly asked if Clifford would be back the following day to buy them more maize, he was reminded of an item in his to-do list.
This question and afternoon encounter, albeit brief, was the nudge Clifford needed to follow up on a long time dream of starting a feeding program. Before this he had one excuse after the other as to why he wasn’t ready. He returned the following day and with consistent determination, established a feeding program for street boys in Westlands.
The following month, he took to social media, appealing for funds to feed these street boys. The idea was to have a different organization donate Ksh. 1,000 – the amount that would feed approximately 30 kids – for 31 days. And he succeeded in getting the support. Some changes came along the way, such as shifting from maize to bread, and every day, Clifford went out and bought milk and bread and in the evening, he and his family would pack the food that would be distributed the following day. And thus became the routine.
The program over time metamorphosed into something more wholesome. A centre in Deep Sea Slums in Highridge, Parklands was identified. Food supplies and cooking necessities were purchased, and the boys were encouraged to cook for themselves. Additionally, Clifford organized for teachers of art, taekwondo and sports to visit the center on different days. Shule Mtaani, the center was called, where school was taken to the kids.
And the school kept at it in the years since, rehabilitating more street boys.
But in March this year, things had to change. Clifford was taken back to his drawing board. While the center is still running, there are others now who are unable to cater to their basic needs, and food especially is of essence.
He had the idea to help organizations dealing with vulnerable groups to raise funds for feeding programs. And so once again he turned to social media with a #10bobchallengefor10days campaign. Every day, for ten days, a different organization was featured. And at the end of the campaign, over 1million shillings had been raised altogether.
It seems that moments of our past can be helpful in how we navigate our actions today. Clifford’s story adds to this testament, and for his dedication, we can only encourage him through words. Asante Clifford!
#RipplesOfPositivity
