My Hope

When I was living in Cape Town a few years ago I helped out at a “Coffee Centre” where street kids would gather twice a week and be given tea and coffee, sandwiches as well as sing songs and play games. As they entered they would hand in all their drug paraphernalia at the door. They also brought empty bottles in with them. I asked one of the group leaders why they did not confiscate the drugs and paraphernalia. She said that these children were not going to stop using drugs, so it was pointless confiscating their drugs. She also said that many of them were inhaling glue because it helps them to keep warm on the streets. They had empty bottles with them so that they could be filled with water.. There was no public access to water for these children. As if this was not all shocking enough, it was the severity of their eyes which tugged at my heart-strings the most. They were hollow. It was like their souls had been removed from their bodies. It was something which I will never forget. There was, however, one young boy there who was different. He was “softer”. He still had a soul in his eyes. I asked the woman again, “why is that boy different?”. She answered me, “He has only recently gone to the streets”. Please, before this happens to more children who are forced to live on the streets because of whatever circumstances, please help to change their lives. Before they too become hollow shells. I have started MyHope.org.za in the hopes of creating shelters and new lives for children. Please help.

Sincerely,
Taya Maddock