Our Core Principles

Two core principles distinguish Jitegemee’s work from that of other organizations serving street children in Africa.

1. From the beginning, we stress that each child in our program is expected to work actively to assist their own families and the wider community. They are asked frequently to reflect on how they contribute, and what would enable them to play a larger role in helping others. Very early, they are expected to assist less-skilled children. Later, those in the vocational program play a major role in training other apprentices. Students in formal schooling are expected to assist others in a variety of other ways.
2. When a child enters our program, we make every effort to assist him/her as needed until he/she attains self-sufficiency. For that reason, we offer a variety of ancillary services:
   • Schooling or vocational training
   • Nutritious lunch five days a week
   • Yearly medical screening and emergency health care
   • AIDS education
   • Adult encouragement and guidance
   • Physical safety
   • An enduring sense of community

Jitegemee provides an alternative to street life…