Meet Our New Leaders!
John (Games Captain), John (Lower Dorm Prefect), Joseph (Dining Prefect), Brian (Head Boy), Kelvin (Environmental Prefect), Josphat (Upper Dorm Prefect), and Joseph (Assistant Head Boy)
This month, our boys held elections for leadership positions at Shelter. This is an important process in life here.
When the boys are on the street, perhaps unbeknownst to them, they are learning valuable leadership skills. They have to work together to survive and protect each other. Often, natural leaders emerge and play a crucial role in life on the streets. Once coming to Shelter, we see those same leaders rise up and take on additional responsibility here.
During the election process, three candidates are nominated for each position and then those candidates are able to give a speech and answer questions from the other boys. Then, a vote is taken and the boys with the most votes are elected to the leadership positions at Shelter. As leaders, they help settle disputes among the boys and make sure things run smoothly.
Allowing the boys to choose their leaders empowers them and gives them a sense of ownership over all of the responsibilities at Shelter. The seven boys who were elected take their roles very seriously, and are highly respected by their peers. Congratulations to each of them!
Meet Our Head Boy, Brian
Brian was overwhelmingly elected by his peers to be our new head boy.
Brian was rescued in October after spending about 9 months on the street. He arrived at Shelter, ready to take a course in carpentry and welding. His positive attitude and strong work ethic have been praised by both staff and other boys.
The responsibilities of a Head Boy are many -- Brian must assign duties, correct and instruct his peers, and often work with staff to implement any changes or discipline that may be necessary. More than that, the Head Boy is expected to set an example in the way he speaks, acts, and interacts with others.
When asked why he wanted to be Head Boy, Brian said, "I want to show the other boys at Shelter the best way to act. I want to be a good leader and help the teachers."
We are confident Brian will lead his peers well in this very important role.
Carpentry Update: Sammy
Sammy was rescued by Shelter three times, the first being in 2016. Though he never had any trouble at Shelter, the strong pull of his former life eventually caused him to relapse in both 2016 and 2017. But even back on the street, our staff continued to build a relationship with him, encouraging him to leave life on the street for good. In April 2018, he was ready and he came to Shelter for the last time.
Over the next year and a half, he never again left for the street. He worked diligently in his carpentry and welding course, and proved to be one of the brightest students in the class. He often spoke of his transformation, crediting Shelter for never giving up on him, even when he had given up on himself.
Sammy graduated from our carpentry program in August and returned home to begin his carpentry apprenticeship. His trainer reports he is an excellent worker, punctual and motivated. He has already been offered a position in the workshop upon completion of his apprenticeship and carpentry licensing exam!
We could not be prouder of Sammy. His story is a good reminder that everyone deserves a second (or third, or fourth...) chance.
Thank You!
During this season of Thanksgiving, we are grateful for each of you. The generous donations we receive allow us to continue to do this important work in the lives of boys like Brian, Sammy and others. If you'd like to support our work, as little as $20 a month can help reunite a boy with his family.