Night Walk - by James Dunning

 Moving through the streets of Arusha at night is an experience that is impossible to prepare for. It seemed the entire city was alive. We began by meeting our escorts at the bus station. This is a place where people from all over the country are coming and going, recently increased by the president opening the country up to 24hr bus travel.

 At 8pm the staff from Amani Children’s Center brief two of us from the law school on what we should expect from the evening. The Center’s purpose for this activity is to remain in contact with children who are living both part and full time on the streets. Despite the hustle and bustle all around, because of our foreign origin it was impossible for our presence to go unnoticed. Considering the late hour, we were told to be aware of people who might have opportunistic intentions, yet at no time did anyone display actions which could be interpreted as dangerous.

 After leaving the congestion of the station, our first stop was to visit an arcade. Here children were huddled around television screens playing video games. The business provides an environment of safety, but also exploits them, any money they spend there is precious resource. We were introduced to some of the boys around the area. These kids are living in circumstances that require them to present themselves in a way that conveys their freedom and independence, they portrayed an adult style of bravado.

 Staff from Amani put in constant effort to encourage the boys to leave the street lifestyle and building trust is a critical component of this work. The factors causing street life to be the preference for these children are deeply complex. The type of services available to them are very different from those provided to youth in the United States. There is an enormous resistance to any level of authority and receiving the level of support that comes with residential placement means a loss of autonomy. This results in a cycle of voluntary commitment, only to be followed by escaping back into what is perceived as a life that allows for choice and self-determination.

 Continuing with the evening from the arcade, we are joined by a street child who goes by the name of Junior. At our introduction he exhibits a swagger of someone who knows showing fragility could have disastrous consequences.  For a 16 year-old, he has undoubtedly had to harden himself in a way uncharacteristic of housed adolescents in his peer group. The outward appearance of confidence slowly softens as the night proceeds. A young man who noticeably desires the nurturing and validation of the adult staff members begins to be revealed.

 As we walk there is noticeable evidence of street kid activity. In several areas supplies are staged in preparation of sleep. Large vinyl sacks are common material used for warmth and sheets of cardboard adapted as bedding. The boys form unique bonds, something similar to what we think of as a gang, which help them to look out for one another. This can make things especially difficult when a new kid arrives. It is not easy to gain acceptance into a group. While passing by the local sports complex we find a group of boys hanging out, playing music, and dancing. This is where they will also be spending the night. Nearby there is an area prepared with all the supplies for sleeping. Junior is not welcome here among this group and he quietly slips away back into the night.

 Through the darkness of desperation that exists here there are glimmers of hope that provide beacons to those in need. Drawing the night to its conclusion, the team from Amani introduces us to a community champion back at the bus station who assist in the effort to identify and intervene with street children at the earliest opportunity. A neighborhood “mama” operates a food service station among the congestion of people and vehicles. She explains to us why it’s important to contribute to this tireless work. Being a mother, it’s easy for her to imagine her own children falling into the same situation regularly occurring within the community she cares about. Enlisting the help of these people which are embedded in the community is a critical part of Amani’s outreach.

 Staying connected to boys living on the street is a significantly large element of the night walks, but it is also tremendously important that when a girl loses the safety of familial protection they are not allowed to remain there. Preventing young girls from being exposed to the risks of street life is of particular emphasis. From the moment they are identified by community volunteers or police, staff from Amani will immediately seek her out for admission into the program. Young girls are not as oppositional and fear the consequences they may face if left to survive on their own.

 This experience will remain with me forever. While there are children who face similar challenges in the United States, the situation in Arusha feels much more helpless. I am inspired by the care and dedication the outreach staff of Amani showed that night. They are an amazing organization and I hope what I have learned in the short time with them will benefit me in helping children back home.