“Don't give up. Don't let the streets or bad choices destroy your whole life. If someone offers help, take it.”
Access to Justice
Across the world, children and young people in street situations face huge barriers when seeking protection, fairness and dignity within justice systems. Many are criminalised for their circumstances, not their actions, and are unable to access legal support, information, or a fair hearing.
As we mark the International Day for Street Children on 12 April and highlight the global call for Access to Justice, we share Joy’s story. Her experience shows how access to justice can open the door to hope and renewed possibilities.
Meet Joy
21-year-old Joy (pictured above) is rebuilding her life with determination and hope. She lives in Nairobi with her young daughter and balances caring for her child with occasional work as a casual labourer. She actively participates in a Toybox-supported project, run by our partner Pendekezo Letu (PKL).
Joy shares,
"I like being in the project because it has helped me become a better person. I like participating in various activities including life skills sessions, mediation sessions and urban farm activities.”
Through her involvement at the project, Joy is a trusted voice in her group and was chosen as a youth leader - a role she takes seriously.
“During mediation sessions with the police and community, I am often given a chance to speak for my group and share our problems.”
In the future, Joy dreams of opening a green grocery business to support her father and give her daughter a better life.
Early life
Many street‑connected young people grow up facing poverty, illness and instability long before they ever come into contact with the justice system. These early challenges often limit access to education and basic opportunities.
Before her arrest, Joy lived with her father, her sister, and her 4-year-old child. Life was marked by instability and poverty. She shares,
“Life was hard. We had no regular food, and my dad was often sick and could not work. I dropped out of school when I was in Class 6 because we could not afford uniforms or books and school fees required.”
With very little to rely on at home, Joy spent more time in the streets, where she met older boys and girls who became her friends and survival network.
The incident that changed Joy's life
Joy recounts the day that changed her life. She shares,
“A man known very well to me invited me to his house. I decided to go with my boyfriend at the time.” Inside the house, her boyfriend stole a phone, chain and watch while the man was in the bathroom. She continues, “I warned him against it but he still went on.”
Out of fear, the pair fled. After hearing the police were looking for them, they relocated temporarily. When they eventually returned, Joy shares,
“We were arrested on the same day at my boyfriend’s house and taken to the police station where we were beaten and asked to surrender the things we had stolen.”
Once involved in the justice system, street‑connected young people like Joy often face detention and intimidation, with little understanding of their rights or access to legal advice.
Joy and her boyfriend were charged with robbery with violence and taken into remand. Joy shares,
“I was taken to a women’s prison. People were very unfriendly. It was hard to survive. I often thought about my baby.”
Pictured below: Joy sits with PKL's Legal Officer.
Support from PKL
While in remand, Joy received a visit from a PKL staff member who, “explained to me the seriousness of my charge and what I can do when I presented in court.”
With PKL’s support, Joy's complex home situation and the absence of violence in the incident were explained in court.
“With PKL's help, my charge was changed from robbery with violence to stealing. I was warned and released. I was told to go for counselling, and that I will be monitored after I go back home.”
Joy's release marked a turning point. She shares,
“It was a really happy day for me, I was finally out, and I could see my child again.”
Growing through the project
Support does not end at release. Ongoing programmes help young people rebuild their confidence, reconnect with their communities and avoid further harm. Reflecting on her ongoing involvement with the Toybox supported project Joy shares,
“It has helped me become a better person because I do not have a lot of idle time. I am either working or in the project. The community also changed their attitude towards us, that we are not lazy people, but we can work with our hands.”
Joy was particularly proud of becoming a group leader at the project, she continues,
“I was happy that even after what happened to me, I was chosen to be the leader of my group. I want to be a role model and tell people that one can change their behaviour.
I want to share a message with other young mothers like myself... Don’t give up. Don’t let the streets or bad choices destroy your whole life. If someone offers help, take it.”
a new beginning
Today, Joy is focused on her daughter, her future, and staying away from negative influences, she concludes,
“Pendekezo Letu gave me a new beginning. And now, I believe in myself, and I want to stay away from crime. I want to support my daughter and offer her a better life than mine.”
Joy's journey shows why access to justice matters for children and young people in street situations. When young people are supported to understand their rights and are treated with fairness and dignity, they can rebuild their lives and shape a better future.
Pictured below: Joy with her child.
