Before joining the organization, Victor lived a very hard life. Every school day, he sat in a dark room made of iron sheets with more than 120 students. Because the classroom was so full and noisy, a quiet boy like Victor could easily hide and go unnoticed. At home, his family lived in a small four-by-four-meter mabati house with very little space to rest, study, or think about the future.
Everything changed in 2007 when the foundation stepped in to help. The team saw his potential and sent him to a safe boarding school in Grade 6 so he could focus on his lessons. Through Saturday activities and holiday camps, Victor slowly felt safe enough to come out of his shell. He stopped being shy and learned how to talk to people and share his thoughts with confidence.
With this new support, Victor worked very hard in school. By the time he reached high school, he was in the top three of his class. He also found a big passion for mathematics. His hard work paid off, and he went on to complete a university degree in Mathematics and Computer Science.
Along the way, his sponsors in the US, Chuck and Janet Gleason, gave him the love and strength he needed. Every month, they sent letters telling him stories about their daily lives, snow, and their dog, Misty. Most of all, they reminded Victor that he was special and that they believed in him. When Chuck and Janet passed away, their son Tom continued to help Victor, guiding him through university until he graduated.
In 2020, Victor had a chance to return to the organization as an IT Assistant. Coming back home was an easy choice because he wanted to give back. He wanted to build computer systems, teach kids digital skills, and show them that they can reach their dreams too.
Today, Victor works as the IT & Systems Manager. He manages a tech team and leads big projects for the foundation. The shy boy who used to hide in a crowded classroom now leads meetings and helps young people who look just like his younger self. His story shows that when donors support a child, they do not just pay for school—they raise strong leaders who come back to help others.