Sometimes the best stories are the ones that almost didn't have a happy ending.
Last Christmas, Dave travelled with his dad and step-mum to their home village near Moroto, around 240km from Mbale. While they were there, his dad fell ill and couldn't afford to bring the family back. As term 2 came and went with no sign of Dave, we started to wonder if we'd see him again.
But the story didn't end there. This month, Dave borrowed a neighbour's phone to call his mum — he wanted to come back to school. He'd been staying with a relative, helping a herdsman look after cattle, now just 115km from Mbale rather than 240.
His mum came to speak to our welfare team, and social worker Percy got in touch with the herdsman to arrange to bring Dave home. Last Friday, Percy made the journey to collect him. Dave was overjoyed to see him — the family he'd been staying with had looked after him well, and he looked healthy and happy. They'd even been saving money themselves, hoping to get him back to school.
Today, Dave walked back through the school gates. His classmates couldn't stop clapping — just look at those smiles! You can see it in his face — he's exactly where he belongs.
Welcome home, Dave!
Stories like this happen because people like Percy go and find children who need help. Did you know you can sponsor our welfare team for £10 a month? Click here to find out more.
