Name: Isatu Bangura Age: 13 Lives: Makeni, Sierra Leone

 “When my mother died, my stepfather was not interested in looking after me. He made me do all the hard work in the house and I was not allowed to go to school.”

 “A friend of mine was living in the streets, making money by washing dishes for food-sellers in a park. She said: ‘As you are not getting enough food at home and they treat you badly, come with me and I will help you.’”

“I went to the park but, from the first night, I felt I had made the wrong decision. It was better at home, but I didn’t feel I could return.”

“I stayed with my friend and we made a little money. But one time some older boys stole what I had. They slapped me and I had to give it to them.”

“Eventually, I was approached by staff from Street Child of Sierra Leone. Now that Street Child has taken care of me, I feel fine. I feel secure and more protected and I have gone back to school. I would like to be a nurse.”

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.