We revisited Ivan at his boarding school, two years on. We met Ivan (not his real name) in 2015, a 13-year-old street child. Although living on the streets of Kabale Ivan was an intelligent and cheeky child. Speaking moderate English, we were immediately drawn to his personality, he loved to teach us his native tongue and show us some incredible dancing.

When Ivan first attended the Amasiko drop-in centre it was discovered he had a bone tumour on his foot, with this a priority he was taken to a hospital and had an operation soon after. After spending 2 weeks teaching, learning and playing with Ivan a volunteer with Alongside Africa decided they needed to sponsor Ivan so he could reach his full potential in school. With the sponsorship, Ivan was able to start school, providing him not only the essential learning he needed but also food, clothing, and shelter.

Two years later, Ellese one of our UK volunteer who met Ivan 2 years ago, have the amazing opportunity to see him again, in his last year of primary school. He was well dressed, healthy and happy. He introduced us to all the friends he had made, told us how much he was enjoying school and how thankful he was for the sponsorship. The next day we attended the church service at Ivan’s school, he was so proud showing us his Sunday best, and we were so proud to see Ivan settled and in a leadership role during the service.

The two years of sponsorship truly has changed Ivan’s life and will continue to do so when he leaves primary school and joins high school.