“I am now very happy”
11-year-old Manoa (pictured above) lives with his parents and older sister in an informal settlement in Nairobi, Kenya. He attends a Toybox-supported project run by local partner PKL and, like many children his age, enjoys spending time with his friends and dreaming about what he wants to be when he grows up.
For much of his childhood, however, one important document was missing: a birth certificate. Without one, Manoa was unable to enrol in a public school and instead attended an informal school in his community. PKL’s Programme Officer, Charles, explains;
“Manoa used to go an informal school in the community due to a lack of birth certificate. After acquiring the birth certificate, he is now enrolled in a formal public school.”
waiting for the chance to learn
Manoa's father works as a driver, while his mother takes on casual work washing clothes for other people. As a younger child, Manoa often accompanied his mother as she searched for work.
"Since I was born, I have always been going with my mum. I go with her to hustle where she goes to look for work. I play there with other children."
Missing out on regular education left him feeling frustrated and excluded. He shares;
"Before I was registered, I was very sad not being able to go to school every day."
In 2025, with support from PKL, Manoa was finally able to obtain his birth certificate. "We went with my mother and Eliza (from PKL) to apply for my birth certificate." The impact was immediate. He continues; "I am now very happy- I am now able to go to public school every day."
Pictured below: Manoa with his dad.
Learning about rights and responsibilities
Alongside supporting birth registration, PKL provides activities and sessions where children can learn and build their confidence. Manoa first discovered the project when he followed some friends who were attending. Reflecting on that experience, he shares;
"Before I started coming to the project, I was just okay. Once I followed my friends who were going for a class session with Eliza (from PKL) and I was excited by what she was teaching."
Since then, Manoa has become a regular participant. "At the project I like meeting my friends and I enjoy the classes on child rights. I have learnt about my rights and responsibilities - like respecting adults and assisting my parents at home."
When he is not at school or attending project activities, Manoa enjoys a routine familiar to many children. "I wake up, eat, help my mum with household chores and go out to play with my friends."
Dreams for the future
Like many children across the globe, Manoa loves football and spending time with friends. "In my community we feel very happy when playing football. I also love reading. If my friends were to describe me, they would say I am a good footballer."
He also looks up to his father and already has an idea of what he hopes to do in the future. He shares;
"One skill I'd like to learn is knowing how to drive. In the future I want to be a driver like my dad."
Community life
Life in Manoa's community is not always easy. He has witnessed challenges that affect many children and families around him. "When there are protests police throw teargas in our area and sometimes people are killed. If I was President of my country, I would ask the police to stop throwing teargas in our area. In my country, I think the biggest challenges for children living or working on the streets is lack of food, a place to sleep and not being able to go to school."
Now that he is attending school regularly, Manoa hopes other children will have the same opportunity. "Right now, my parents and being able to go to school are the most important things for me. I would like other children on the streets to go to school like me."
He concludes; “For children who are not registered, I would encourage them to ask their parents to get them birth certificates for them to able to go to school."
Pictured below: Manoa with his birth certificate.
