At seven years old, I was forced to live on the streets, as my mother could not find any work. With nowhere to sleep, and nothing to eat, I was routinely subject to physical violence. Whilst I was able to make a little money from selling charcoal, it was barely enough to feed myself, let alone my mother and siblings. After three years of living on the streets, a local church stepped up to help and ensured that I could attend school.

This opportunity changed my life. Going to school enabled me to get off the streets, to make friends, to learn and allowed me to dare to dream of a better life. I am now studying motor-vehicle mechanics at Don Bosco youth training center and plan to become an engineer. My story is testament to the transformational power of education and the critical importance of eradicating malaria, so other children do not experience the childhood I endured.