Overcoming Obstacles: Meet Olivier
In western countries, we often talk about the ability to surmount obstacles as an indicator of future success. Every child at Kimbilio is unique, and each one overcomes obstacles that, for many of us reading this post, are far beyond our own experiences or, dare we say, beyond our nightmares.
Olivier is a 17 year old whose family is Kimbilio, and this is his story.
Olivier was one of three children in his biological family. His father passed away when he
was 7, and he was accused of being the cause of his father's death. He was rejected by those closest to him, and he ended up alone in the streets at Kenya Market in Lubumbashi, pictured above, in proximity to Kimbilio's outreach center. He began going there for meals and other vital services, and after he'd lived on the streets for about 6 months, Kimbilio gave him the opportunity to move into the boys transit house.
The transit house gave Olivier the opportunity to thrive. During the 18 months he was there, the Kimbilio reintegration team was able to connect and work with his biological family but ultimately came to the conclusion it would be difficult if not impossible for him to fit back in with them. At the same time, it became apparent at the transit house that Olivier, given the chance, had a great future in store for him. He excelled in learning to read, showed aptitude for numbers, and was known to be calm and well behaved. Kimbilio decided that the best path for Olivier was to live at their Josué MANDAT long-term home for boys and attend the Kimbilio Mapendo School.
Now 17, Olivier is in his fifth year of secondary school, studying Commerce and Management. He loves to play soccer twice a week on the Kimbilio soccer field, and dreams of playing for Manchester City. He is happy - he has friends, aspirations, and a family at Kimbilio.
Oh, the obstacles he's overcome!
#education #streetchildren #streetconnectedchildren #Lubumbashi #Luowoshi #DRCongo #DRC #manchestercity
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