THE STORY OF BUENGA, NOVI & JOEL

Our staff were called to a religious compound because a family living there needed help.

We arrived to find three young children that were starving - only 10, 7 and 4 years old. They huddled in a corner, terrified of these strangers that had entered the dilapidated building that was their home. In the other corner lay their grandfather, their only known relative, whose rattling breaths were an obvious sign that he was in the last stages of tuberculosis.

We brought the three children back with us to Hope Village.

On arrival at their new home, Buenga, Novi and Joel were greeted by their new family - house parents that would care for them and children that would quickly become their closest friends. A bed of their own, nutritious meals and access to clean water and medical care saw their health start to improve. 

Seeing them now, it’s hard to believe that they are those same scared and malnourished children.

Buenga, now 22 years old, has just graduated from a dressmaking course and is about to start full-time employment! She has remained to be the sweetest spirit, enjoys reading, dancing, music and being creative.

Novi is 18 years old, and loves music - even teaching herself how to play the piano. The only time that she’s not flashing a dazzling smile is when she is trying to look fierce, holding her own in a soccer match with her brothers.

Joel is 16 years old and  is now one of the tallest boys in the village. He is confident and often one of the first to introduce himself to visitors and new family members. He likes to get through his homework so that he can play basketball.