David's story

Life was devoid of possibilities for sixteen-year-old David, a former child worker on a dangerous refuse site in El Milagro, Peru. But thanks to Y Care International’s partner YMCA he is finding a way out of poverty and looking forward to a future of potential.

“I come from a very poor background, and before getting involved with the YMCA I had to support my family by working at a rubbish dump sorting refuse.” It was here that David crossed paths with staff from a Government welfare programme, which referred him to the YMCA.

The educational support he receives there has helped David improve at school, particularly in English and computing. “The YMCA offers a lot of support that helps us learn new ways, and become more involved in society,” he says.

“We encounter a society that lacks values and knowledge so we should take advantage of the opportunities available to us.”

David has nothing but praise for the people that have helped him get to where he is today. “If I didn't come to the YMCA I might have been wasting my life, working on the refuse site and unable to contemplate future possibilities.

“I thank everyone at the YMCA who is continuing to support families and their children who are lost and in need of help. It improves relationships in families, which beneficial to every one of us.”