Allan, 13, a journey of resilience

In Cameroon, our partner the Chaîne des Foyers Saint-Nicodème supports children in vulnerable situations, helping them rebuild their lives and reintegrate into society. Based in Douala, our partner runs centres welcoming children in street situations.  Children find there a protective and structured environment where they can return to school, learn vocational skills, rebuild their self-confidence, and envision a sustainable future. 

It is within this protective and nurturing environment that we met Allan, aged 13, who kindly agreed to share his story and dreams with us. 

“I lived on the streets for four years. I stopped going to school when I was in my first year of secondary school. After my parents died, I stayed with my aunt in Yaoundé. She wanted me to go back to the village, but I didn’t want to. I would have been alone there, with no one to talk to. So I left.” 

In Douala, Allan tried to survive as best he could: 

“I sold scrap metal to earn a bit of money. But I didn’t like life on the streets. You sleep badly, and you’re never safe.” 

When he heard about the centre, he decided to give it a try. 

At the centre, Allan discovered a structured environment and the opportunity to return to school. With the support of an educator, he gradually regained his confidence and motivation: 

“I’m back at school now, thanks to an educator who helped me catch up. I’ve learned to read, write and use a computer. I’m proud of myself and happy to be moving forward.” 

For Serge Alain, the centre’s director, this first phase known as the “stabilisation year”, is often the most demanding. Many children have never attended school, while others have faced family breakdowns or long periods of street life.

“The challenge is to tailor our support to each child’s background, taking the time needed to rebuild trust,” he explains. 

Beyond education, daily life revolves around both practical and collective activities: farming, fish farming and community life. The centre aims to give every child concrete skills and a sense of purpose. The objective : for each young person to leave with the confidence and ability to live independently. 

Today, Allan looks to the future with determination:

“I really want to move up to the next class and get good marks. I’ve just started, but I want to improve quickly. I’m proud of myself.” 

Passionate about mechanics, Allan is now taking part in a vocational training programme at the centre. He dreams of earning his Vocational Training Certificate and continuing his studies towards the Baccalaureate. 

But support at La Chaîne des Foyers Saint-Nicodème does not stop at the centre’s gates. Family reintegration is a key part of the educational process.

“After several months in a structured environment, some children fear returning home. It’s vital to rebuild trust, involve families from the start and plan the reintegration process together.” 

Thanks to this approach, Allan has been able to reconnect with his aunt, with whom he had lost all contact. He now continues his training with determination and hopes to work in a garage one day.  

Allan’s story captures the essence of the work we carry out alongside our partners: helping young people regain confidence in themselves and build a future with hope and dignity.