Safe Center for Vulnerable Children in Douala

Dear AGAPE Friends,

A lot has happened at AGAPE since our last report as you will see below, but first I am going to share with you the story of one of the boys AGAPE is very proud to work for.

Allah is 11 years old. He lives in a very needy part of Douala (Cimetière de New-Bell), with his 3 brothers and his father. The mother had gone back to the North Cameroon with his 2 sisters, after having problems with the father.

When we started AGAPE back in 2013, Allah used to beg in the street because of hunger and he had no running water at home. He used to also work selling peanuts made by an aunty of the family to help, exposing himself to street dangers (a car run on his foot one day).The father is a cook owning a tiny salary of about 69 USD per month for the whole family which is a very little in Douala.

Allah could not read at that time because he was in the street without supervision most of the time. He was regularly beaten by the father, to the point of losing conscience. The “ladies” living in the house were mistreating him. It was then a very stoic and hard boy. I have never seen him crying.

In September 2015, Allah can now read and writes pretty well for his age. His is in grade 4 (CM1 in our system). His   grade was 12.62/20 for last academic year, which is considered pretty well in the French system. He goes now to school every day. He comes every day at AGAPE. He doesn’t show any lack sensitivity anymore and is more relaxed, happier and very willing to learn. He doesn’t get into conflict with his father and his new “girlfriend” any more as he spends most of the time in the center and no more in the streets.

I am proud I have not given up even though it was not easy for myself nor the team to get where we are today.

Thank you for your donations, now Allah has a normal childhood and has better chances to have a normal life. We plead that you remember to continue donating to AGAPE so that we can change more lives together.

Adama

Please find below in image a summary of the last months. Volunteers and collaborators kept the boys positively busy at the center during the holidays.

Links:

• Website