A survivor of child labour who is rebuilding his life after exploitation returned to the Hope for Justice Lighthouse shelter where he previously found safety, to share his experiences.
About a dozen young boys – all survivors of human trafficking or previously at risk of exploitation – listened as Jerry* told his inspiring testimony.
The former beneficiary explained that he was cruelly treated by his relatives, which eventually caused him to leave home. As a young teenager, Jerry ended up living on the streets of Kampala, Uganda, trying to make a living to survive.
“Life on the streets was harsh and unforgiving”, he told us. Jerry was forced into child labour and he scavenged on the streets for food and shelter. He faced constant danger, working long hours without pay.
A slum in Uganda. Photo, Bob Ditty
He had no safe place to sleep and no clean water to drink or wash with. He claimed that he was often chased by police officers and city government workers.
Michael Esalu, one of our Lighthouse teachers, said: “Despite all these challenges, Jerry’s resilience and determination kept him going. A turning point came when Jerry sought help from the police, who referred him to Hope for Justice. This organisation provided Jerry with the care and protection he desperately needed.”
In 2019, Jerry came to stay at Hope for Justice’s short-term Lighthouse transition centre. This was a place of safety where he had shelter, food, catch-up education to help him bridge the gap in his studies, life skills, trafficking in persons and human rights awareness sessions. He also received counselling to address the emotional trauma that he had experienced.
A boy at Hope for Justice’s Shine School in Uganda. Photo, Bob Ditty
He told us: “When I was on the streets of Kampala, I felt lost and hopeless, but Hope for Justice took me in and provided me with everything I needed to thrive. The food, clothes, medical care, education, and counselling services were instrumental in helping me make informed decisions about my life.”
Jerry recognised the importance of education and decided to return to school. With Hope for Justice’s support, he was reunited with his family and enrolled in mainstream school. His hard work resulted in him graduating from high school with high grades.
Sadly, despite his impressive academic achievements, Jerry was unable to secure the necessary school fees to pursue higher education. Instead, he began exploring alternative options and enrolled on a forklift operator training course, which he hopes will lead to future opportunities.
Six years after leaving the Lighthouse, Jerry kindly agreed to return to share his testimony and experiences with the children. The visit was arranged as part of the Lighthouse celebrations for International Day for Street Children. This is marked annually on April 12 to raise awareness of the hardships faced by children who live and work on the streets.
Boys at one of Hope for Justice’s Lighthouses in Uganda. Photo, Bob Ditty
The survivor told our team: “What means the most to me is the opportunity to share my life experience with other survivors of child trafficking. I was able to share my story with them, and I could see the impact it had on their lives. It was a truly humbling experience.
“I often wonder where I would be if Hope for Justice hadn’t intervened in my life. I’m deeply grateful for the acceptance and support I received from them. When no one else believed in me, they saw potential in a young boy with no future prospects. They helped me rediscover my smile and rebuild my life. Thank you for giving me a second chance.”
*Name and images changed to protect identity of the survivor
