Changing the trajectory: Fernando Torres

I am delighted to share the news that Fernando - A Hands of Love Alumnus - passed his primary national tests (KCPE) with a stellar score of 353 out of 500.

Today, exactly five years ago, I shared the story of Fernando Torres, a Hands of Love alumnus whom we helped return to school after rescuing from a life as a homeless child residing in Dandora's dumpsite.

Dandora is the largest dumpsite in Nairobi, found about 3.5 kilometres from Kariobangi. Many families live or rely on the dumpsite, searching through trash for milk cartons, sacks, pieces of metal, leftover food, plastics, glass, and anything else that can be sold or recycled. Many children help their parents or are employed to carry and sort the garbage. When we rescued Fernando, he was employed in this way.

I am delighted to share the news that Fernando passed his primary national tests (KCPE) with a stellar score of 353 out of 500. This puts Fernando in a fantastic position to continue his education, as it will allow him to enrol in a top high school.

It's difficult to fathom where Fernando would be now if not for the rescue; drug usage is common there, and vicious gangs frequently force young boys to join them. What we are certain of is that Fernando's life is better now and on the right track. 

Thank you so much to our supporters from all over the world whose generous contributions enable us to continue impacting the lives of hundreds of children in Kariobangi.