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A Journey to Redemption: From the Streets to Hope

My name is Otim Steven, and I am 18 years old. I was born to Aber Grace and Diera John, and I’m the eldest of two boys. My parents separated in 2014 when I was still in nursery school, and since then, my brother and I have lived with our mother. My father moved to Kampala and has been out of touch, only visiting once since then. Our mother rents a place in Pece, where she works as a hairdresser, struggling to make ends meet for our school fees, food, rent, and other emergencies.

 

I attended Layibi Primary School but dropped out in Primary Four due to financial difficulties. At home, my relationship with my mother deteriorated as she disapproved of my friends and often punished me for associating with them. She expected me to contribute financially by laying bricks, but the work was too physically demanding. Despite my efforts, my mother constantly criticised me, calling me lazy and comparing me to my absent father. Overwhelmed by her anger and stress, which she frequently directed at me, I felt increasingly isolated.

 

In 2020, I made the difficult decision to leave home and live on the streets. A friend who was already living on the streets helped me make the transition. Life on the streets initially felt like an escape from the abuse at home. I found camaraderie and a sense of belonging among other street children. However, life on the streets quickly became dangerous, especially with constant police raids and the need to scavenge for survival. I found myself engaging in petty theft and other illegal activities just to eat. The risk of being caught, beaten, or even killed was always present.

 

In December 2022, I visited my paternal family in Coo-pe and felt a connection with my aunt, Concy, who welcomed me. She is a farmer and has children my age. I realised that if I wanted to change my life, I needed to leave the streets behind and return to my paternal home. I am now determined to rebuild my life by working on the family farm, raising animals, and possibly laying bricks to build my hut.

 

I don’t know exactly what awaits me in Coo-pe, but I am hopeful. If Hashtag Gulu could assist me with bedding and a mattress, it would make the transition easier. The only blanket I had was stolen, and I am currently sharing bedding with a friend in the ghetto. I want to utilise the skills I gained from the vocational training at Hashtag Gulu to create a better future for myself. While I may struggle to gather all the resources I need, I am ready to start afresh, away from the dangers of the streets.

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