Esther’s New Year resolution to find a meaningful internship led her to FOA, where she discovered more than just a job—she found purpose. Through her friendships with street children, she learned powerful life lessons and, most importantly, the transformative power of love.
Before the year began, I set a resolution to find an internship that would be meaningful and let me give back to my community. When I shared this with a friend, she told me about Future of Africa (FOA), where she’d planned to do her long-vacation fieldwork for her Social Work program. I looked up FOA’s work on their website and I was so inspired that I signed up for an internship right away. This is when my journey with FOA began.
On my first day, I was nervous and my mind was filled with many thoughts. I wondered, “What if no one here likes me?” or even worse, “What if I don’t like the work or the people, and it all feels fake?” But the moment I stepped in, those worries disappeared. I found myself loving everything—the work, the staff, the residents at Norviwo and those from the street, and even my fellow interns and volunteers.
FOA has this unique vibe. When you first enter, it seems like there’s not much to do—just fun and games. But then, the real work kicks in, and you realize that you’re part of everything.
One moment, you’re talking to the residents, providing emotional support, and the next, you’re managing tasks, checking emails, coordinating street outreach, and taking on leadership roles. There’s nothing like “I’m shy” or “I can't do it” in the FOA space where we believe we are a family; after all, you’re not shy of your family right? In every task the team cheers you on every step of the way. It’s just an amazing place to be.
After nearly a year volunteering, I’ve gathered more unforgettable memories than I can count. One that stands out was during street outreach, where I met several street residents, learned their names, and listened to their lives and dreams. When we returned the next Sunday, the same people called out my name and asked how my week had been. Anyone who knows me knows how much I value remembering names and faces, so it meant the world that they remembered mine too. It was a moment that truly showed me how FOA is all about building real, lasting connections and offering that family feel they might be missing.
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FOA has inspired me to speak and express the language of love everywhere I go. Especially to the street children and youth who are, most often than not, deemed unlovable. I believe love is the foundation of FOA's work and without it changes becomes difficult.
Wednesdays quickly became my favorite day, all thanks to the Wellness Wednesday (WW) program, which offers street residents a much-needed break from their usual challenges. I start at 7:30 a.m., helping serve food, water, and a safe place for them to rest and recharge away from the bustle of street life. Through WW, I've learned valuable lessons I'll carry with me forever. One memory that stands out is a lesson my mom would give me as a child whenever I wasted food: “There are kids your age who go days without food.” Back then, it was hard to imagine, but now, hearing stories directly from these kids has shown me how real and difficult their lives are. It’s heartbreaking to know they often endure not just hunger but also insults and judgement while simply trying to get a meal.
Another unforgettable part of my experience at FOA has been my sit-downs with TK, the heart of FOA. His unwavering dedication to this mission inspires me deeply. Every conversation with him, whether about his vision for FOA or his hopes for each young person he meets, reflects his selflessness and genuine care. You can instantly see how the kindness and compassion in the FOA staff flow directly from TK’s example—it’s like his passion is a force that shapes everyone here.
To me, life is all about the lessons we learn through our relationships and what we do. Every choice we make comes with lessons, whether we’re ready for them or not. Working at FOA taught me something powerful: "broken legs can still chase perfection" (NF).
When I think about the hardships these children have faced—from broken homes to families that don’t want them, to living in poverty that pushes them to the streets—it’s heartbreaking. But after spending time with them, having heartfelt conversations with them, you realise that they are not going to let whatever circumstance they find themselves in now, stop them from dreaming bigger. They are constantly figuring out ways to make their lives better than it is now. You realise they are eager to make a difference, take bold steps to turn their lives around. It’s honestly a big motivation, if you ask me.
One important lesson FOA taught me is the power of consistency. I quickly realized that to earn the trust of these children, you have to show up when you say you will. Sometimes, they don’t need money or food; they just need someone who genuinely cares—someone to ask how their week went, how they’re doing, and if they’re feeling okay. Being there for them has led me to build real friendships, not just act as someone serving them.
I also learned that love is at the heart of making a meaningful change in their lives. FOA’s vision—African youth collaborating for transformative change—cannot be achieved without love. I’ve learned to love, even when it’s hard. There are times when the children may not warm up to you right away or may say things that hurt, but if you truly want to see change, you let go of that and try again, with a bigger smile and open arms. It works every time. FOA has inspired me to speak up and express the language of love (everywhere I go); even to the street residents, who are, most often than not, deemed unlovable. I believe love is the spine of FOA cause without portraying it, change becomes difficult.
I’ll always say FOA is not just an organisation where you go to work, gain experience and laugh, it’s a lifestyle. I believe in the work FOA does because it has changed my life for the better. I came here looking for an internship opportunity and I have learnt more than I hoped to. My mindset towards these children we see on our streets everyday has changed; I see them as lovable and capable of whatever they set their minds to. I also believe in FOA because in my time here, I have seen firsthand how lives are transformed, from not having hope and thinking their lives aren’t worth living to waking up everyday with a purpose, a drive to become better people, achieve greatness and play it forward. FOA has become a first point of contact to many children on the streets because of the trust and friendship they’ve built brick by brick, over the years. I’ve seen cases where people who left in the past, have returned and pleaded for another chance, and are on their best behaviour.
In the next few years, I see FOA as a household name, where children who encounter unfortunate ordeals at home, can run to for shelter and a sense of belonging. It is my hope that I am there through it all.