By the age of 13, Wasinun Tadesa was living on the streets of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where gender violence was so common that he thought it was normal and “just part of the life”.
As one of the youngest in the group and “only a little boy in the hierarchy”, his job was that of a messenger. But he had another important role: to identify girls and women on the streets in isolated places. The gang leaders would then rape them and force other young boys in the gang to do so.
“I saw two or three of them raping girls at once. Because of my role in it, at the time I enjoyed it. It just seemed normal. Now when I think about it, I know that I never want to see that type of thing ever again.”
When the gang leaders were bored, they would get the little boys to perform dramas or tell stories and so Wasi’s love for performing arts began to blossom. On the streets, he heard that the YMCA was holding a summer school theatre programme and so he went to join in. Unfortunately he was not readily accepted due to his dirty ragged clothing and the fact he smelt of cigarettes and chat (stimulant from the leaves of the chat tree). Undeterred, he then joined a one-day HIV training workshop where he learnt about sexual violence and safe sex.
“That day changed my whole life. I turned my back on the streets, went to ask my father for forgiveness and moved back home.”
It was not easy for Wasi and he had to prove himself to his community and to his father. Before he left home, he used to steal money from his father, and there were times when his father would chain him to the bed as punishment. He also had an acrimonious relationship with his stepmother. He was determined though and through working with the Urael YMCA staff and volunteer leaders and his involvement with the theatre group he gave up chat and proved that he had changed.
A year ago he began working as an HIV/AIDS peer educator. He is part of the ADVANCE (AIDS, Volunteerism and Civic Education) programme which is an HIV/AIDS prevention and awareness campaign that will reach 50 000 young people aged 10-29 by 2010. The initiative will also provide extensive support to more than 5 000 orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) affected by the HIV/AIDS crises, including access to recreational, educational, medical and general support services.
Through the programme, Wasi has now reached the stage where to find his own healing, he is ready to share his personal story. After discussions with the YMCA leaders, he feels a calling to work on the streets.
“I really want to work with street boys and try to get them to appreciate and reunite with their families. I enjoyed being the messenger in my gang but my actions caused violence against women. I realise now that I was looking for acceptance and I was angry. I was angry and wanted revenge against my stepmother.
“Often if young boys and men do not deal with anger, they take it out on women.”
