Kids face terror-loaded transition

There’s a saying that’s attributed to some long-ago movie star “Old age is not for sissies!” Yet, in this day and age the challenges that face the young, who’ve come through massively disadvantaged backgrounds, are terror-filled. Nobody understands these more than The Salvation Army who have nurtured many such young people throughout their lives.

Our ability to continue this specific level of care drops away when they reach the age of 18 and have matriculated. Imagine at that point, having to now find your own home, get a job or continue your studies, manage your money, provide your own food, your clothes, and every small item of anything you need in your life.

Some children are reunited with their families, some are blessed with finding kind foster care, the vast majority don’t have these options and are facing the difficulties already mentioned. They have had the warmth, love and care of The Salvation Army, and we do everything in our power to make their transition easier. However, many of the children who leave the home after finishing school cannot take care of themselves for various reasons – some turn to drugs, many of the girls fall pregnant or kicked out of the family because they cannot find work. They are unable to pay their way through college or university.

I’d like to tell you about two particular young women who have achieved extraordinary success in their studies, despite the huge problems they have faced. Elizabeth Nkozi* is one of them.

*Name changed to protect identity.