At 15 years of age, Emmanuel lived with his mother only, as his father worked 150 miles away from home. She found it difficult to look after him and so he left to live on the streets. He found some work with a truck driver but was not paid a salary.
 
To make some money, Emmanuel and two friends stole the windscreen and brake lights of the truck and sold them. They were caught and arrested and his friends were sent to the maximum security (adult) prison, as they were over 17 years of age. Emmanuel was sent to the juvenile remand home, and fortunately the YJIA project came into contact with him. His trial date was expedited and he was acquitted.
 
Through the project, Emmanuel was reunited with his family. He is currently attending school and is now in form 2. His mother, Marie, said, “I thank YMCA Sierra Leone for facilitating my son’s release and for bringing him back to me. I am very happy that he is now attending school and he is doing extremely well. I am forever grateful.”