May’s story of the month comes from the Batsinda Street Kids’ Rescue Project in Rwanda, where Philips recently dropped into the Comfort Rwanda offices to chat about how he’s been getting on since graduating from the project. Philips has been sponsored for a number of years and wanted to write to his sponsor to let her know how her support has changed his life. His letter reads below:
I hope this letter finds you well. My name is Philips, and I have been part of the Comfort Rwanda Batsinda Street Kids Rescue Project. I am writing with deep gratitude as I graduate from the project and begin a new chapter in my life.
Before joining the project, my life was incredibly hard. I had started school but dropped out before finishing Primary One because we couldn’t afford the school fees or materials—and often I was simply too hungry to continue. I spent days without food and had no access to medical care. I lived on the streets, sick with malaria, feeling weak and hopeless. I was just 16 years old.
At home, life was broken. Though both my parents are alive, they do not live together. My mother, who struggled with prostitution, was absent most of the time, and my sister tried her best to care for me. Neighbours helped for a while, but eventually I was abandoned and found myself completely alone.
When Comfort Rwanda found me, I was immediately admitted to the project and taken into the project house. I finally had a place to sleep, proper medical care, and someone to care for me. This was the turning point in my life.
Since then, I have completed a welding training and internship at a boarding school far from the area where I had suffered. This safe and structured environment allowed me to focus, heal, and develop practical skills. Comfort Rwanda also helped me reconnect with my biological family, which has brought a sense of belonging and encouragement.
In support of my future, I was given goats to rear so I can earn a small income when I am not at school. This is a big step for me, as I now have something to be responsible for and hopeful about.
At the time I joined, I did not believe in God—my situation made it difficult to believe in anything. But through the love and care I received, I started to believe in myself again, and now I have hope for the future. I still dream of becoming a technical worker, perhaps in car mechanics or electrical work in the future after I’ve used my skills to reach other dreams. I’ll keep dreaming big, looking ahead and knowing God is so faithful.
I want to say a massive thank you for your sponsorship. Your support has changed my life completely—from a boy who ate from bins and suffered on the street, to a young man with skills, direction, and dignity.