From Despair to Hope: How the Islamic Foundation for Integrated Programs Rescued 14-Year-Old Leese Muhammad

In a remarkable act of compassion, the Islamic Foundation for Integrated Programs (IFIP) came to the rescue of Leese Muhammad, a 14-year-old boy from Uganda, who had been abandoned and left to survive on the streets of Lodwar.

Muhammad, a determined and hopeful young boy from Kotido District, Uganda, is the son of Teko George and Loput Phoebe. His journey to Kenya began when individuals from his village brought him to Lodwar, promising him work and a better future. However, instead of opportunity, he faced betrayal—his companions vanished, leaving him alone in a foreign land.

From April 2024, Muhammad endured the harsh realities of street life, struggling daily for food, shelter, and safety. His dream of going to school seemed impossible—until IFIP intervened.

Guided by its deep commitment to humanitarian service and child protection, IFIP, in collaboration with the Ministry of Social Protection’s Department of Children Services, rescued Muhammad and placed him in the County Rescue Centre for rehabilitation. There, he received much-needed care, counselling, and support to help him recover from the trauma of abandonment.

Despite everything he had endured, Muhammad remained hopeful. He expressed his strong desire to continue his education in Kenya while returning to Uganda during school holidays. In response, IFIP worked tirelessly to secure a sustainable future for him. After careful coordination, he was handed over to the Danish Refugee Council (DRC) for safe repatriation to Uganda, ensuring he would be reunited with his family and given the opportunity to rebuild his life.

Muhammad’s story is one of resilience, courage, and hope. It is also a testament to the life-changing work of IFIP, which continues to stand up for the most vulnerable, ensuring that no child is forgotten. Through their unwavering dedication, IFIP is transforming lives—one child at a time.