mtoto wa mitaani

How to say it

Meaning

A child who lives and sleeps on the streets of a town, usually without parents or a home to go to.

Good to know

Plural watoto wa mitaani, heard far more than the singular, often in talk of charities and town councils. Mitaani means in the streets or neighborhoods.

Examples

• Shirika hilo linamsaidia kila mtoto wa mitaani kurudi shuleni.That organization helps every street child go back to school.
• Alikuwa mtoto wa mitaani kabla ya kupata familia ya kumlea.He was a street child before he found a family to raise him.
• Mtoto wa mitaani huyo sasa ni fundi hodari.That former street child is now a skilled craftsman.