Homeless children in Dar es Salaam find solidarity on city streets, but discover love and security at Dogodogo Center. Y oung boys dart up and down a staircase, bolting after one another in a lively game of tag at Dogodogo Center in Dar es Salaam. They wear the tattered clothing of children who have survived alone on city streets. Only through many twists and turns have they made their way to this shelter in the Tanzanian capital. But at Dogodogo they no longer wear the shame that once covered them more than their ragged clothes.
Fear gives way to trust.
When a child slips his hand in mine I take it as a sign of hope. Eight years ago, I helped found Dogodogo Center for the homeless children on the streets of Dar es Salaam. We provide education, nutrition and health services for these little ones who have fled abuse, neglect and grinding poverty. When Daudi was very small a relative strangled him nearly to death, severely damaging his vocal chords. He ran away from home.