Wumalu’s life at home had been very tough for him. His mother died when he was ten years old, leaving him and his two little sisters in the care of their father who did not treat them well.

"After my mother’s death I continued her business of making and selling mandazi (doughnuts). One day when I had taken the mandazi to sell and someone broke into our house and stole my father’s shoes, saucepans and plates. When my father came home he suspected that I was the one who stole them. He tied me with a rope, beat me badly and hung me up from the ceiling and lit a fire underneath me. It was our neighbour who came to my rescue. She climbed over the dining table and untied the rope. I already had wounds and she advised me to go and report to the police. I found out that the police were friendly with my father so I decided to escape and run to town. While in town I found a Good Samaritan who took me to Retrak.

When I reached the drop in centre l was treated by a nurse and allowed to stay until the wound healed and then I was able to go to Tudabujja"

Wumalu is now at Retrak’s Tudabujja Halfway House studying hard in his catch up lessons and working with staff to discuss his options.

*Children’s names have been changed and they are all happy for us to share their story with you