I met Alex when I was 9 years old. I originally lived in Najjanankumbi with my mother and stepfather. They frequently fought about me living with them. Eventually, a day came when my mother and I left my stepfather and set off for another place to live.

My mother abandoned me at a bus terminal when I was asleep. When I woke up and couldn’t find her I started crying, but no one helped me. I became hungry and saw some kids begging for food on the streets, and I joined them. One day, Alex saw me in the city square and asked me many questions. I told Alex that even if I were to find my mother, I would never return to her.

Alex offered for me to come live at the orphanage, and I accepted. We still visit my old hangouts each September so that I can talk to my old friends and try to give them some hope. We eat and pray with the other children when we visit them. Now I am happy and love all the other children.