John was a refugee from Rwanda, he came to South Africa with his guardian who abandoned him. John arrived in South Africa in June 2008 in the midst of the Xenophobic attacks. He was alone in a foreign country and decided to approach the police to assist him in returning to Malawi. He was not assisted and was sent to a camp in Boksburg. After two weeks in this camp John was eventually seen by a Social Worker from the Department of Social Development who arranged for him to be placed at Kids Haven, a shelter for street and abandoned children. After six months arrangements were made for him to be placed at the Coach Life Campus Programme situated in Kempton Park to help him complete his education and gain some skills training.

John was registered at St Anthony’s College in Boksburg while being accommodated as a residential student at Life Campus. He has completed his grade 12 and is currently studying his Diploma in Youth Development through UNISA.

During his time at the Life Campus programme he has attained many skills and training in order for him to develop.

Currently he is placed at the independent flat at Life Campus and has the responsibility of managing his own chores and budget.

He is now a volunteer Child and Youth Care worker at Coach and receives a stipend every month. This ensures that he has practical experience upon completion of his Diploma.

John has displayed motivation and responsibility and is eager to complete his diploma so that he can have a promising and fruitful future.

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