Michael

13 years old

Michael lived in a shack with his parents who were alcoholics and drug users. Michael has 3 younger brothers and sisters. Michael started to go to the streets to beg for money and food. At one time he was even looking after parked cars to earn a bit of cash. Often he would stay on the streets until the early hours of the morning. Upon his return home his parents would be drunk and would hit him.

One evening the police found Michael on the streets and brought him to Happy Child. It was Michael’s first time in Happy Child. He is now at the farm, stable and doing well in school. He is in his second year at school. He says he has no desire to return to his family at the moment.

A letter from Michael

Dear Friend

My name is Michael and I am 13 years old. My family is large but there were difficulties at home so I had to leave. That is why I am in Happy Child today.

Presently I am living on the Happy Child farm. This has been good and I am in my second year at school. I like Maths and Portuguese.

I do have dreams. I would like a house of my own and for my brothers and sisters to live with me. The most important things in life are family and friends. I have made some friends in Happy Child. I would also like a bicycle.

Please pray for me and my family and that one day we will all be together again.

Love