Carlos in Angola

Journalist Carlos Mezenga reports from Angola, November 2007

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Week 8: "Why are you crying my friend?" - More on Child Rights

Teenager Carlos Mezenga spends his spare time informing other children about their rights. In this space, you can follow Carlos's blog, writing about life in Angola.

Hi, I am back, as always your friend.

Today, we are going to talk about children who have been maltreated, both physically and psychologically.

In Uíge province, much has been said about maltreatment of children. Right now, the talk is about a seven-year-old child living in the Candombe area. His name is Jesus Adão Torres, and he lives with his stepmother, since his real mother is dead. Jesus was found crying in the street by me, together with two other child reporters, called Pindi de Assunção and Nildo Vidal.

Why are you crying, my friend?
Jesus Adão Torres answers: My stepmother sent me to town with 400 kwanzas (about 5 dollars) to buy dinner, and then I was robbed. When I came home without the food, my mother said I had to pay her back the money, and she called me horrible names, such as witch, stupid and dog. And then she kicked me out of home, and said I no longer existed. That's why I am here on the street now.

This is a sad scenario that we have experienced in Uíge. Cases like this occur because people don't know about children's rights. We hope for your support and defence of children's rights.

Got to go now, but I will return, God willing.

Bye-bye.

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"Back to school" is the children of Angola's first wish for their future. "A roof to sleep under" is the second wish. To attend school they need to be registered. To be registered they need a home. Pencils and books cost money. It may not be much to you, but it is an enormous amount to the street children of Uíge. 
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