“After the war, my uncle brought me back home and promised to send me to school. But instead he made me sell drinking water because he had no money. He rarely fed me, so I decided to run away.”

“I lived on the street for a long time. Adults did not trust the street children and, if anything went missing, we would always get the blame.”

“I made a little money by carrying very heavy bags for shopkeepers. At night I slept in the market without a blanket or pillow.”

“But one night a woman approached me and explained she was from Street Child of Sierra Leone. She asked me to join her at a Street Child centre the next day.”

“I was nervous but, when I arrived, they gave me a big bowl of rice. I played games with other children and felt safe.”

“Now I am happier. I would like to become a policeman so I can help other children accused of being thieves, when actually they need help.”

Street Child of Sierra Leone saves hundreds of street children across Sierra Leone each year. It provides counselling, clothing, medical care, food and a safe place, and unites children with a family member or guardian. It also funds the children’s return to education or training and offers ongoing financial support to their families.

You can find out more about Street Child of Sierra Leone at: www.street-child.co.uk.