"I'd been in Form 1 at school but my parents couldn't support me and I had to drop out. Life was difficult and I decided to go and live on the streets. I came to the House of Talents in 2006 because I'd heard it was offering places to people with talent. I am a good singer so I auditioned and got a place. When there is a big singer, we help perform on stage and get paid $20 or we play at functions. We're developing an album now. With the money I make, I’ve been able to go back to school and I can support my family.
If I hadn’t got a chance to come here, I'd have been doing some piece work. When I look at where I was going 90% of the outcome would have been bad. I'd be a pick pocket, I'd be taking drugs and smoking bangi, or I'd be a prostitute. I'd be surviving but with a bad record.
Now there's a foundation in my life. I've learnt to play the guitar and I also know how to play the keyboards and drums. I'm a good composer and I want to be like Santana. After I've finished school I want to open my own studio. My parents are proud of me and want me to continue my studies. I want to develop more. In any development you have to be educated. The more educated you are, the more opportunities you can capture. Now I've got the chance to go to school again I will have an educated mind and my family will get the best of all."
Read more about Skillshare International's work in East Africa or download the East Africa issue of Skillshare News. |
