Alice's Story

A new life for Alice and her dad in Mozambique

By Savina Geerinckx, Overseas Programmes Director 

Alice ended up on the street due to hardship at home. She lost her mum. Her dad would travel to places where work was available. She spent two years on the street, but seized the first opportunity that was offered to her to build a better future for herself. 

With the help of our long time partner Meninos de Moçambique, she successfully completed a hairdressing course, was reunited with her family and set up her own little salon in her family’s courtyard.

Alice is now back at school and with the income generated by her small enterprise is able to contribute to her own and her brother and sister’s needs. Alice pictured above with Meninos staff, her dad and little brother.

In April 2011 our Overseas Programmes Director, Savina Geerinckx, travelled to Maputo in Mozambique to visit Meninos de Moçambique. One of the most memorable moments of her trip was meeting Alice and her dad on a follow up visit to her successful reunification with her family.

Savina said, “I don’t think I will ever forget the welcome I received from Alice as we walked onto the courtyard. She didn’t speak any English, is rather quiet and reserved, but the sparkle in her eyes and the smile on her face spoke volumes. She proudly showed me around her home but most importantly around her very own tiny hairdressing salon. Her immaculately organised working space is well equipped. The only thing she needs is a few more customers to be directed to her salon.”

With tears in his eyes her dad spoke in broken English, “I am vey happy to receive this visit... Because the last time... I thought I had lost my daughter... But now I believe she has a family... Meninos de Moçambique has helped my daughter a lot, and has continued to help lots of children with what they need... It is very nice... Because now... We had a new life... Since my daughter and her friend came back.”