Listen to Railway Children’s BBC Radio 4 Appeal and hear Juma’s powerful story of resilience and hope. Plus, every donation made through the appeal will be doubled up to £25,000 helping reach more children in need.
Author: Lucy Carman | Updated: 7th September 2026
Missed it, or want to listen again?
Hear Juma’s powerful story, recorded for us by journalist and broadcaster Sangita Myska.
“I was honoured to present this appeal for Railway Children, knowing it will help create brighter futures for children facing hardships they should never have to endure.”
Sangita Myska
Sangita, a third-generation Tanzanian, left the country as a baby but returned as an adult and was deeply moved by what she saw.
Sangita said:
“I left Tanzania as a baby, so I didn’t experience the hardships Juma endured. But when I visited in 2016, I met young people whose resilience and determination stayed with me long after I returned home. Young people like Juma who, despite immense challenges, hold onto hope.
“That’s why the work Railway Children does is so important. It helps turn hope into opportunity and gives young people the support they need to build safe, independent futures.”
How you can support
Stories like Juma’s show why this work matters.
Through our Youth Association programme in Tanzania, street-connected young people are supported to move away from life on the streets and build sustainable livelihoods.
Alongside workplace training and support to start small businesses, young people gain practical life skills, confidence, peer support and a stronger sense of belonging.
The programme helps them develop the tools they need to create lasting change in their lives and become active members of their communities.
For young people like Juma, Youth Associations provide more than training. They provide hope, support and a pathway to a better future.
Railway Children will feature in a special BBC Radio 4 Charity Appeal this September, shining a light on the challenges faced by street children in Tanzania and the life-changing support available through our work.
Railway Children marked 30 years of supporting vulnerable children with a special parliamentary reception at the House of Commons.
As the only UK voices on the Children and Young People’s Global Taskforce for Care Reform, Railway Children Youth Ambassadors Corey and Elliot brought their lived experience to parliament!
Subira is a family project worker for Railway Children in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Here is an exploration of her work and the impact that it has as she supports street-connected children and reunites families.
Learn about safeguarding and how it relates to child protection on transport networks.
No child wants to survive on the streets. And, through understanding and empowerment, together, we can ensure no child has to.
