The intention
Johnson lives in Uganda and, like many other children and young people in developing countries, is trying to keep his head above water and build a life.
The approach
Go to school, get off the streets and get a better life – good intention.
The result
Because he had no shoes he was not allowed to go to school. When he finally earned enough for new shoes and was allowed to go back to school, he was harassed by the police (corruption). Together with other children and young people he slept in the cemetery to hide from the police. By sniffing petroleum, the fear was suppressed.
The lessons
Johnson didn't give up, but went to work to buy shoes and go back to school. The failures taught him to persevere: he stopped snorting, focused on training in street childcare, moved on and now has a scholarship to study medicine. Johnson is an example for the other street children in the shelter.
Author: Bas Ruyssenaars
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