The Power of Role Models
It is really important to me that S.A.L.V.E. has members within our team who have lived experience of life on the street in Uganda. Often, it is those who have been in the position of the children that we are supporting, who come up with the strongest and most sustainable solutions to the challenges we face. Together with our experienced and passionate social workers, the members of our team with lived experience create a perfect balance within the organisation, ensuring that our work is always driven by the needs of the families we support. Role models are vital for our long-term success.
It’s why we introduced our Peer Mentor programme, giving former beneficiaries the chance to work with S.A.L.V.E. and support the rehabilitation process for children who remain on the street. Seeing individuals, who are formerly street-connected, turn their lives around is one of the biggest motivators for the children we work with. They are able to relate to one and other in a unique way and our Peer Mentors can often be the determining factor in a child deciding to leave the street and seek S.A.L.V.E. support.
I would like to introduce you to Stephen, who is a fantastic example of the power of role models.
Stephen’s Success Story
Stephen was formerly a street connected child. He lived and worked on the streets of Jinja during his early teenage years. With S.A.L.V.E.’s support, he was able to leave the streets, return home and complete his education, eventually qualifying as a mechanic! Despite his skill working with engines, Stephen felt that his purpose in life was more human-focused. He started volunteering with S.A.L.V.E, primarily out of a desire to ‘give back’ to the organisation that had given him the confidence to turn his life around. He quickly demonstrated that he had all of the skills needed to be a huge asset to the S.A.L.V.E. team, supporting the Drug Rehabilitation team with street walks and counselling sessions. The decision to offer him the role of Peer Mentor was an easy one!
Stephen has continued his growth in this role and become a very well-respected member of the S.A.L.V.E. team. His connections with the children on the streets of Jinja are invaluable. It is clear that, one day, Stephen will make a fantastic Social Worker.
And that is why we are delighted that he has recently enrolled onto a university social work course! With the support of a very kind sponsor in the UK, Stephen will complete the programme alongside his S.A.L.V.E. work, meaning he can then be employed as a qualified social worker. We are exceptionally proud of him and cannot wait to see his continued development over the coming years.
You can hear Stephen’s story in his own words in this video.
Support our Education Fund
Success stories like Stephen’s are only possible because of the generosity of our supporters, whose commitment to education through sponsorship and regular giving to our Education Fund helps us to invest in the futures of children across Uganda.
Our Education Fund enables us to:
📈 Support a greater number of children at varying levels of education
🔁 Provide holistic support for children in education, such as supporting their families with a business to help care for their needs
💨 React quickly to children’s needs – moving swiftly in instances such as child protection or safeguarding cases
🏫 Work with schools and organisations to explore opportunities of knowledge and skill sharing, rather than just paying school fees
📚 Provide catch-up education at our residential site to ensure children who return to school settings are prepared for the classroom
For more information, or to make a regular gift to our Education Fund, visit our website.
February Lottery Winner
Finally, congratulations to Alice G, who is this month’s lottery winner.
You can play our lottery for just £3 a month, with the chance to win £100 every draw!
For more information, and to sign up, visit our website.
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