Give street children in Burundi a future

Erica is 14 years old and she is narrating her journey with all you, from being on the streets to being reintegrated into school and having a safe shelter.

 "I have three younger sisters and my parents are divorced.  I used to study in Class 1 (Primary) but was influenced by my friends to quit school and join them on the streets as this would help me earn some money.

I spent two years on the streets. During the day, we would be chased away from the police and we were concerned about our security at night so we would just roam around. I was not happy with the street life and always wished to go back to school. One fine day, my friends headed to an organization called New Generation, I didn’t know where I was going and I just decided to follow them. We were part of the Outreach Program. My friends left but I stayed back.

In July 2021, a cart hit me and my right foot got injured and infected. New Generation took care of my medical expenses and of me. I stayed back with the girls who are already taken care of by the organization. Since then, I now have a shelter and back to school. I’m happy to be at school and living with girls my age. I’m sure my Mum would be proud of me’’.

We thank each one of you who have regularly supported us, through Street Action, in helping us create an impact through the work we do, and those who are new supporters and have provided substantial sums to continue reaching out to street-connected children.

We are truly grateful.