Stories of change

Five steps, years apart.

Demo stories — fictional, no real child depicted

The structure below mirrors how a real case unfolds. Names are pseudonyms and the details are written for this prototype only — we publish a child's story solely with informed, ongoing consent.

  1. 01Before support

    Two years working at a market, sleeping in a group of six.

  2. 02First connection

    Met an outreach worker on the same corner for eleven weeks.

  3. 03Education

    Joined bridging class, then Grade 6 at a nearby primary school.

  4. 04Family & community

    An aunt was traced; mediation ran over four months.

  5. 05Current progress

    Living at home, in school, plays for the centre team.

  1. 01Before support

    Left home after a family breakdown; worked collecting scrap.

  2. 02First connection

    Came to the drop-in centre with a friend for a meal.

  3. 03Education

    Enrolled in tailoring training alongside evening literacy class.

  4. 04Family & community

    Weekly counselling; contact with her mother restored slowly.

  5. 05Current progress

    Second-year trainee, saving through an alumni group.

  1. 01Before support

    Six months on the street after his guardian fell ill.

  2. 02First connection

    Referred by a shopkeeper who knew the outreach team.

  3. 03Education

    Returned to Grade 4 with fees and uniform covered.

  4. 04Family & community

    Household support arranged for his grandmother.

  5. 05Current progress

    At home for eighteen months; attendance above 90%.