Try Again : Part 1 : A Bag With Rags

Working with street children can be one of the most heartbreaking experiences one can have. Of the 19 kids we have right now, every one has a heart wrenching story to tell; some were sold off by their drug addicted parents, some were victims of domestic violence, others were just abandoned by the people closest to them.

Though they come from varied backgrounds, one thing remains constant- Behind each of these innocent faces, is a shattered past. Just like David, most of these kids end up on the streets to find acceptance and love.

I have spent close to 4 years journeying with these kids and I know its not easy for them. They struggle to get past the hurts and addiction.

Just yesterday, our staff (Daa) was inspecting the boys room and felt something was amiss. The room was filled with smoke from the burning mosquito coils. The smell was overwhelming and its unusal as the kids dislike the smell of mosquito coils, so why are they litting so many up at the same time ?

She continued to check the room and found 3 boys(Tim, Kua & Kuak) huddling suspiciously in the toilet. When questioned, all 3 boys denied doing anything and were just "hanging around". Daa looked into the toiletries basket and there it was. A plastic bag with a cloth drenched in benzene.

The boys had been sniffing benzene and they know that no excuses could get them out of this mess. They just kept quiet as the news was passed to me.....