When Paul joined C.R.O ten (10) years ago, he was hopeless, overwhelmed by thoughts and carried away by responsibility over his six (6) siblings rendered orphans after the death their mother and father in 2003 and 2004 respectively.
In the face of all the responsibility, Paul’s elder brother got schizophrenic (a brain disorder in which people interpret reality abnormally) thus he had to provide full support to the family at only 15 years of age and this left him with no choice other than getting to streets of Mbale town (Eastern Uganda) to look for food for himself and his siblings.
“Paul is part of the 11.9% of children that take to the streets as a result of becoming orphans and taking on responsibility to care for themselves”,(according CRO 2013 Survey)
While on the streets, Paul would engage in offloading/carrying heavy luggage and begging in order to get some money. “I remember Fridays used to be precious days for me and my life because I would beg and eat well”, he narrates, “however, life still was not good as there was something missing as a responsible child i had to make sure that my siblings at home have at least 1 meal a day and that satisfied my heart as a child parent”.
Having dropped out of school due to the responsibility that befell him at a tender age, he worked hard to ensure survival of his siblings. “At a point I prayed to God to help me because it was too much and tough for me! I felt lonely only longing for someone to care but none” Paul lamented.
On a lucky morning, Paul was found by C.R.O Social workers while on a day survey, picking maize in industrial area. According to CRO, 4.5% of children on the streets are engaged in activities like sorting foodstuffs and 11.9% survive on begging from well-wishers.
Paul’s lifestyle changed during the year of rehabilitation and his health improved greatly. He joined High School in Form Two (2) and successfully completed Ordinary level with a Second Grade. Due to his hard work, he enrolled for Advanced level and passed with 9 points which enabled him join University where I pursued Bachelors of Arts in Graphic Communication Design and graduated with an Upper Second degree.
“At 25 years with Bachelors, I only give glory to God who really heard and answered my Prayers”, says a smiling Paul.
His dream is to own a design studio offering services such as graphic design, fashion design and photography services as well as becoming on of the best famous graphic designers nationally and internationally.
Paul believes with the above in place, he can be able to get a better home and guarantee full support for his siblings and do the same for at least one (1) disadvantaged child at C.R.O
BRAVO C.R.O! LONG LIVE!
Child Restoration Outreach (C.R.O) is committed to rebuilding the lives of children formally living on the street,re-integrate them with their families and empower them as well as their families to become productive and self-reliant.