“I lived on the streets for six months before Street Child of Sierra Leone reunited me with my family. I was living with my aunt, but she treated me differently to her own daughters. She sent me out to work but, if I lost even just a little bit of money, she would flog me.

I decided to leave and got a job washing pans at food stalls in the market. In return they would give me food to eat. I made some friends and we slept on top of market tables. I would choose one in the corner and crawl in so no-one could see me. I was cold and afraid at night time but I couldn’t do anything about it.

Some of my friends told me about Street Child so, when I saw their staff in the street, I asked them to help me. They took care of me and found my aunt who agreed to take me back. I was scared about seeing her again because I didn’t want her to treat me badly like before, but when we met it was fine. Now I am back at school and proud of what I have achieved.”

Street Child of Sierra Leone saves hundreds of street children across Sierra Leone each year. It provides counselling, clothing, medical care, food, a safe place and unites children with a family member or a 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