Hope on the Streets for Children (HSC) is a ministry dedicated to equipping caregivers who serve children impacted by trauma—those who have endured abuse, neglect, and other painful experiences that leave them broken and vulnerable. Not only are we focusing on training, but we also run a Day Care Centre for boys between the ages of 13 to 17 years old.
The year 2025 brought its share of challenges, yet it also became a season of growth and learning. We navigated transitions in leadership, the departure of some team members and the arrival of new ones, shifts in responsibilities, and the realities of working within a tight budget. Through it all, we adapted, persevered, and continued to strengthen our mission of bringing hope and healing to children in need.
Trauma and Crisis Training
Last year, in 2025, we were privileged to witness five students successfully complete their training. Their achievement reflected not only their deep understanding of HSC’s vision and mission, but also their commitment to living out these principles in their personal lives and within their communities.
As we step into this new year, we had anticipated welcoming six new students. However, due to logistical and other challenges, they were unable to join us. In spite of this, we have continued to mentor three new team members who recently came on board. We look forward to seeing them embrace this journey with the same dedication and purpose, carrying forward the spirit of growth and service that defines our mission.
Hope-Mercy Day Care Centre
In the heart of Makululu, one of the largest neighborhoods in Kabwe, Zambia, HSC runs a Day Care Centre for street boys aged 13–17 years old. Here, they receive biblical teaching through devotionals and discipleship, basic education in subjects like mathematics and English, guidance in hygiene and cleanliness, vocational and life skills training, sports, counseling, and daily meals. In short, we provide what is needed to restore hope and show them the grace every child of God deserves to experience.
Last year, we began the program with 7 boys and grew to 24—despite our capacity of 20. Of these, 4 have now joined a Skills Centre, 6 have been enrolled in primary school, and 3 older boys are starting their own small businesses with our support. Each step reflects their desire for change and a brighter future.
IMPACT STORY
Dealing with Street Boys is not always an easy task, but with the help, and intervention of God we are able to see some transformation happening in their lives. (The names have been changed for protection policies).
Noah
Noah, a 19-year-old street boy, once lived a life consumed by anger and violence. Fighting was his passion—whether against boys his age, younger children, women, or even leaders, it didn’t matter to him as long as he could fight. His temper was explosive; the smallest issue felt like a threat. Often, he would show up drunk or drugged, making it nearly impossible for us to work with him. At times, we were on the verge of giving up.
Yet, we continued to pray and share with him the Word of God—teaching him about what Jesus had done for him, and how he could learn to forgive and treat others with love and kindness, even when they didn’t deserve it. Then, one day, something remarkable happened. It was as if a light broke into his life, transforming him completely.
Today, Noah is one of our greatest role models for the other boys. He is deeply engaged in Bible study, a true worshiper, and a well-behaved young man. He now works tirelessly to ensure that everyone follows the rules and avoids fighting. His life is a testimony of God’s power to change hearts, turning anger into peace and violence into love.
Henry’s Story
Henry is a diligent and respectful boy who rarely gives us any trouble. He follows the rules faithfully, is generous, and treats others with kindness. The only moments of resistance we noticed were when requests involved Jesus—whether praying, reciting verses, or participating in devotionals. He often delayed with excuses like, “Tomorrow I’ll pray,” hoping we would forget, which sometimes left the leaders frustrated.
One day, Henry confided in a caregiver that he is Muslim. The caregiver shared this with the team, and together we decided to respect his faith while committing to an intensive prayer campaign, asking God to reveal Himself to Henry.
Though Henry has not yet made the decision to follow Christ, we have seen encouraging progress. Today, he willingly participates in devotionals, recites Bible verses with the others, and prays alongside us. Each step forward fills us with gratitude and hope, as we long for the day when he embraces Christ wholeheartedly.
Matthew
Matthew is a unique case. Though older and no longer part of the Centre’s youth group, he remains closely accompanied by HSC in mentoring and restoration. He was one of the first boys HSC worked with, and we continue to walk alongside him because we see his potential—not only for his own healing, but for preventing the destruction of many other children in the community.
Years ago, Matthew was drawn into the harsh reality of the streets. His natural leadership and negotiation skills were quickly recognized, and he was turned into a drug dealer. He rose to become one of the most influential figures, tragically contributing to the initiation and downfall of many children who sought escape from hunger, suffering, and pain through drugs.
HSC found him and began a process of rehabilitation. However, Matthew struggled with relapses and eventually chose to leave the Centre, not wanting to take the place of others who were committed to change or risk being a negative influence. For a time, he disappeared from sight. Then, the death of his mother—the only adult he had left—shattered him completely.
Recognizing his brokenness, our team sought him out once more. This time, Matthew accepted help, realizing he now carried responsibility for his siblings and needed to rebuild his life for their sake.
Today, Matthew has steady employment and continues his rehabilitation, counseling, and healing journey with HSC. More importantly, he has become an ally in our mission: identifying vulnerable children in the community, protecting them, and carrying out extraordinary prevention work. His past, once destructive, now fuels his commitment to safeguard others.
Workshops
We recently had the opportunity to travel to another city for a three-day training, where we taught about the importance of reaching the unreached—especially street children. Though they live among us, they are often overlooked, forgotten, or even discriminated against. As a Ministry, we recognize our limitations and know we cannot intervene everywhere. That is why the role of the Church is so vital: to become the family and friends to these children.
In this case, a local Church opened its doors and hearts, and we were blessed with the participation of 20 students. With great enthusiasm and commitment, they successfully completed the training. We are excited about more opportunities like this in the year ahead, as we plan to bring similar trainings to six different locations across Zambia.
Finance and Team
Managing finances has often been very challenging. There were many times when we could not see how we would make it to the end of the month or where provisions would come from. This created deep concern, especially knowing that the lives of children depended on us—and for many of them, the lunches we provide are the only meal they receive each day. Yet, God has been faithful. He has continually shown that this ministry is blessed and sustained by His will.
As for the team, there was a season when only three of us carried the entire load, pushing through extreme fatigue. Even then, God provided. People stepped forward to offer their help and support, and beginning in 2026 we welcomed three new team members along with several volunteers. Praise be to God for His provision and for strengthening this ministry through willing hearts.
Next Steps
If members of your team are interested in joining future courses, please check the upcoming dates here and register using our link: [Registration Link]