By Frantso Sagesse, Child Advocate
Pierre* was a little boy who had been living in restavek for four years. He came to the city from a town in the countryside. Before he entered the Child Advocacy Program, he had no school textbooks or notebooks, and he wore a very dirty old uniform and old, torn shoes. School started at 8:00, but he would arrive at 9: 15 or sometimes even 9:45 because he had so many chores to do.
Twice a day he had to fetch water, clean the house and wash the dishes. He was always tired and sad because he lacked attention and affection. Pierre asked me, “Please, can you help me find my mother?” I told him yes, and he thanked me.
After a lot and research and making contacts, Pierre no longer lives in restavek; he now lives with his mother, brother and three sisters. He doesn’t have to do the majority of the household work anymore, and both his mother and I give him the attention and affection he lacked before. He has become very kind, is always smiling, and has good self-esteem.
Today Pierre is in the 6th grade and will take the important 6th grade state exam this year. For the past three years, he has had all of the textbooks and notebooks he needs. He also has a backpack, a school uniform, and sometimes even an extra box of food. Pierre would like to be a teacher when he finishes school so he can share love, attention and affection with other children.
As a child advocate, I feel very proud because I have a child in my care that doesn’t live in restavek anymore. There is hope, and I will continue to help others find their biological families.
*Name has been changed to protect child’s identity.
