“My name is Esther Joshua Sepetu. I am 13 years old and originally from the Tabora region in Tanzania. My journey to where I am now was far from easy and has changed my life forever.
In 2020, my mother and I moved to Singida. She wanted to find my father, whom I had never met before. After our arrival, she introduced me to him: “Esther, this is your biological father.” In that moment, I was so happy and excited to finally meet him. But the joy didn’t last long. He rejected us, claiming I wasn’t his daughter, and forced us out of his house.
We had no money, no shelter, and no way to return to Tabora. That night, we had to sleep outside. My mother was heartbroken and cried through the night. By the next morning, she was exhausted and ill. I called for help, and someone brought me to the social welfare office while my mother was taken to the hospital for treatment. But one day, she disappeared without a trace. I waited for days, but she never came back.
Eventually, the social welfare office brought me to the Upendo Home for street children, where I have been living ever since. Here, I have found safety for the first time in years. I was able to return to school and continue my education after being out of school since 2018. Life at Upendo Home is peaceful, and the team supports me in many ways. In my free time, I enjoy reading books or playing football. When I think about the future, I dream of becoming a teacher so I can help children like me who are going through difficult situations. At the same time, I pray every day that I will one day reunite with my mother and brothers.”
Esther’s story is one of many that show how vital it is to provide children with a safe space and opportunities for the future. Education and security are fundamental for building a better future.