*Akilo’s life is a story of resilience and determination in the face of overwhelming adversity. At just 12 years old, he has endured challenges no child should face, revealing the harsh reality of poverty and its impact on families.

Abandoned as an infant, Akilo has been lovingly raised by his 80-year-old grandmother, the only family he has ever known. Despite her unwavering love and dedication, her declining health and limited resources have made it increasingly difficult to provide for him.

A Life on the Brink

Recently, Akilo’s situation reached a critical point, prompting a referral to our team. Desperate to contribute to their survival, Akilo had been working as a shepherd for a neighbour, earning only small amounts of food in return. While this was a courageous act of survival, it left him vulnerable to exploitation, modern-day slavery, and intervention by authorities.

Without intervention, Akilo’s future was uncertain. He faced life on the streets, placement in a remand centre for engaging in child labour, or separation from his grandmother and placement in an orphanage—all due to poverty. This stark reality underscores a troubling truth: poverty should never be the reason for family separation.

A Holistic Response

Upon receiving the referral, our team of social workers, family support workers, and counsellors took immediate action. Our priority is to keep Akilo and his grandmother together, ensuring their safety and creating a stable environment for them to thrive.

For Akilo, our support includes:

• Access to Education: Covering Akilo’s school fees allows him to access and attend school consistently, freeing him from the need to work and enabling him to focus on learning and personal growth.
• Emotional and Psychological Support: Counselling helps Akilo process the trauma he has faced and build resilience, confidence, and hope for a brighter future.
• Nutrition and Physical Well-Being: Regular, nutritious meals ensure Akilo’s physical health and ability to concentrate and thrive academically.

For his grandmother, we are providing:

• Health Care Assistance: Addressing her chronic health issues ensures she can continue providing the love and care that only family can offer.
• Nutritional Support: Proper nutrition is vital for her strength and energy to care for Akilo.
• Guidance and Empowerment: Practical assistance and encouragement help her navigate the challenges of caregiving, reinforcing that she is not alone in this journey.

Aligning with Global Goals

Our work with Akilo and his grandmother aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), creating sustainable solutions that address immediate and systemic challenges:

• SDG 1: No Poverty: Breaking the intergenerational cycle of poverty through education and family support.
• SDG 2: Zero Hunger: Ensuring access to nutritious food for better health outcomes.
• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being: Promoting well-being through medical care and emotional support.
• SDG 4: Quality Education: Providing Akilo with the education necessary for long-term opportunities.
• SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions: Strengthening families to reduce vulnerabilities to exploitation and injustice.

Poverty should never force families apart. Together, we can ensure Akilo and his grandmother not only survive but thrive. With your support, we can preserve family bonds, protect childhoods, and invest in the transformative power of education.

Together, we can give the gift of hope and stability.

*To safeguard children's privacy and protect their identities, we use pseudonyms in our communications and publications.