
Aaron, Uganda
Aaron* was only 11 when he became a street child. His brother and sister were both killed on the street. Aaron tells his own story…
My life changed when Dad started drinking. Once he beat Mum so badly she almost died, she left us after that. Not long later my siblings left too and escaped Dad’s beatings. If I’d known where to go I would have left as well.
When I was ten Dad abandoned me. Occasionally the neighbours fed me but most of the time I was hungry and had to steal. One day they caught me and I was forced to leave the village; if I’d tried to stay they would have killed me.
I lived on the streets for two years, hunger was part of our daily lives there. I often stole food from market stalls but I never did big burglaries or pick pocketed. Those things scared me; if you are caught you can be killed. I’m not a thief by nature. I was stealing to survive.
When I was thirteen I came to live at Hope St. I’m in school now and when I finish I want to be a welder, then I’ll be able to provide for my family and maybe I can even help street children. I’m so grateful that I’m not living on the street anymore.
*Name changed for privacy purposes.