Wellington

Wellington Sibanda, age unknown

This kid is such a joy. Wellie is pretty shy at first, but once he gets comfortable with you, he's a riot! He does not have a birth certificate, so they are unsure of his age, but he is probably between 9 and 11 years old. Wellie has a smile that brightens even the worst of days - his joy is contagious. He is an excellent soccer player, and has no problem playing with the older boys. Wellie wants to be a solider when he grows up.

Wellington is a child born of incest, but he certainly does not allow that to define him. Because of the conditions of his conception, Wellie was immediately an unwanted child. His parents couldn't handle the stigma and shame that would come if they were to raise him. Wellie did not have a home when Peniel staff found him, and his father is believed to be in prison, while no one knows where his mother is. Not having a birth certificate will present Wellington with a lot of difficulties in life, so Peniel staff are working very hard at obtaining one for him. If he doesn't have a birth certificate, he cannot participate in school sports and may have difficulties with signing up for school and for the exams that are necessary to move on in school - and these problems are only the ones that would come up in his childhood. 

Pray that a birth certificate would be obtained for Wellington. Pray that he remains joyful always. Pray that he grows into a man of character and strength. Pray that he never gives up on his goals.