Farai's Story

Farai is a Peer Educator from Streets Ahead, Zimbabwe

My name is Farai. I lived on the streets for close to six years, from 1999 up to 2005. That's when I was reunited with my family, my aunt, to be more precise. In 2003, I went back home with the help of Streets Ahead, but the problems that caused me to go to the streets were still there. Plus, some of the guys I used to play with were laughing at me and saying things like ‘oh, you street kid.' I wondered ‘why am I back here? These guys don't like me.' So, I came back to the streets and asked Streets Ahead for help with my education.

I was sent back to school in 2005. I really struggled. I was used to running around, doing anything I wanted, at any time, with anyone in the streets. My new school was really strict... at one point, I almost ran away. Now, I am in university. If I look at myself, I can't believe I went through the educational system. I am on the verge of becoming someone else, important in the society. I am really grateful to these guys, the people from Streets Ahead.

They've been with me for a long time and they've done quite a lot for me. I hope and I trust that when I complete my studies and eventually get to work, I will come back and help them, my favourite friends on the streets.

For now, I will continue helping Streets Ahead as a peer educator. I have been one for the last three years - my job is to visit hard to reach places, distribute sanitary pads and condoms, and teach children about safe sexual practices. I think if I look at myself, my whole purpose in life, the reason why I am here... it is to serve as an example to others. For me, being a peer educator is a passion to me. I have this desire in me that I should contribute my part... play my part as little as it might be. I hope it will save a lot of lives. For you to change, it's like a river flowing in the opposite direction.

It takes, I don't know what it takes... but this is who I am today. I am looking forward to a bright future. Thank you.

Update April 2012 - Now 22, Farai is still actively involved in the peer educator project and doing a Political Science degree at the University of Zimbabwe.