Pierrot Razanamasy lives with his father in a temporary shelter in Ankazomanga. This 18 year old lost his mother during his childhood and his father is unable to work due to ill health.

Since his early childhood, Pierrot has been obliged to work in the streets to earn an income, selling plastic bags, cleaning the market place or washing cars in the parking lots. Two years ago, YMCA social workers intervened and organised for him to attend school. However, he abandoned this as he was going to school every day on an empty stomach and returning at the end of the day without money to buy food. Pierrot will never have the chance to obtain a degree and be employed by any firm in Madagascar.

Then in February this year, Pierrot came back to the YMCA and decided to start a six-month vocational training in carpentry at one of the YMCA partner institutions. He obtained a scholarship, and all the materials he needs are provided by the project. He studies in the morning, and works in the afternoon except Thursday and Saturday, when he attends the empowerment workshops at the YMCA Youth Centre.

His goal is to set up his own furniture shop. To this end, Pierrot's plans to acquire experience while working for someone. During this time, he will save for carpentry machines. When the time comes to establish his business, he will apply to CEFOR, a micro-credit agency, working closely with YMCA, to borrow funds to buy raw materials for his shop.

Currently, he is finishing his studies. Last week, Pierrot sold the first chair he made in the practical training for 12.000 Ariary (6 USD). He is happy, full of enthusiasm and hope. Pierrot spends his free time working with, and taking part in, recreational activities with the peer educators of Madagascar YMCA.