This year has been one of remarkable progress and hope across our programmes. Against a backdrop of poverty, instability, and limited access to education, we have seen more young people than ever before complete their secondary education and take confident steps into college, university, and vocational training.
For many of the young people we work with, finishing secondary school is not a given. Daily survival, family breakdown, abuse, rejection, and the constant pull of street life often place education far out of reach. Yet, when consistent mentoring, emotional support, and practical assistance are put in place, something powerful happens: young people begin to believe in a future beyond survival.
One of the most inspiring examples of this transformation is Saida.
Saida’s early life was marked by profound hardship. Growing up in deep poverty, she also experienced abuse and rejection that would have been enough to derail even the strongest spirit. At times, her future felt uncertain and fragile. Yet, with determination, resilience, and the steady support of those who believed in her, Saida refused to let her circumstances define her God-given destiny.
This year, Saida completed her professional training as a surgical assistant, a significant achievement in itself. It represents years of discipline, study, and perseverance in an environment where continuing education is often a luxury few can afford. But Saida did not stop there. She has now taken the extraordinary step of starting university, pursuing her long-held dream of becoming a doctor.
We are deeply grateful to a generous sponsor in the USA who has covered her fees, allowing her to focus on her studies.
Her journey is not just a personal success; it is a powerful reminder of what is possible when opportunity meets potential.
Saida’s story is echoed by many others this year, young people who have passed their exams, completed secondary school, enrolled in further education, and dared to imagine a different future. Each qualification gained represents more than academic success; it is a break in the cycle of poverty, a step away from risk and exploitation, and a move toward stability, dignity, and purpose.
Education remains one of the most effective tools for long-term change. When young people are supported through mentoring, encouragement, and practical help, they are far more likely to stay in school, succeed academically, and contribute positively to their families and communities.
We are incredibly proud of Saida and every young person who has reached these milestones this year. Their achievements inspire us to continue investing in education, mentoring, and hope, because behind every success story is a young person who was given the chance to believe that their future could be different.
