Romilly's Street Children

Christopher Mulenga of Friends of Street Children (FOSC) in Kitwe, Zambia has sent me this picture of Mateo, graduating from Chiwala High School.

Mateo arrived on the  streets, an orphan, at the age of 7 in 1999. This was at the time of conflict in Zaire just across the border. Neither his origins nor the burial place of his parents were ever discovered, though a family in a nearby town claimed him as a relative. This did not stop Mateo ending up back on the street again. Later he was befriended by an old man. He too dumped Mateo on the street. Very early on in his street life Mateo attended the open air street corner classes run by FOSC. Later FOSC took him into one of their homes and sponsored him through school. Mateo worked hard and has graduated from high school.  His ambition is to become a lawyer and a role model for those that find themselves in the same position as he did when he was 7.

Mateo on High School Graduation day

Help support FOSC and the good work they do. Come to Romilly’s Concert, where Fascinating Aida and Massive Violins will be performing, 3rd December, Westbourne Grove, W11. Tickets from Tim and Lizzie Drake 0208 994 8544.