These factors put together (the absence of the father and the irregular and uncertain income of the mother) saw the children in dire need of love and supply of necessary basic needs. In response to these, the older siblings found refuge on the streets to scavenge in the garbage for lack of food and proper care at home.

The situation got worse for the children, when the mother suffered mental illness that made her desert the children altogether. The mother had never gotten married although she bore children to multiple male partners in the course of her trade. On the event of her illness, the children lacked anybody to turn to for comfort or care. It became apparent that the children led a destitute life like orphans, in more vulnerable state to the harsh societal ills than before. As of now the children don't have the slightest clue on the whereabouts of the mother or the father. The abandoned young Joel had to move in with the uncle for his brothers had made the street the permanent abode and were not easily traced.

The young Joel in the uncle's hands suffered a lot facing the eminent risk of being neglected, malnourished, lack of access to proper health care and education. All this coupled with the absence of the mother though mentally sick and the total lack of the father spelt a bleak fate to young Joel's future.

The uncle on realising that he may also loose Joel to the street as his older siblings, he sought the assistance from MCF who could provide care and protection. His case was considered favourably rescuing him in 1994. Although it was initially difficult for him to adjust, it was a better alternative to the miseries he was facing and the future without hope. He later integrated well with other beneficiaries benefiting forth from MCF care and provisions ever since.

On his rescue, Joel had not started schooling. He was enrolled in Nursery progressing on well to standard Eight in the year 2004. In his primary education life he was of above average academic standing and of good behaviour. He maintained good character and academic performance. He sat for his Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) in the year 2004 and attained 359 out of 500 possible marks. The boy depicts a deeper quest for education and thus yearns for an opportunity to do exploits. His academic star is now bright and he is sure that it will shine him through the University pursuing a course in computer engineering.