Canchungo, Guinea-Bissau - August 12th, 2021
At 17, Bufetar * knows that he has a long journey ahead of him to achieve success. Bufetar's dream is to win a scholarship to study medicine in Portugal. He wants to become a doctor because he excelled in Biology and Chemistry at school and because he wants to make a change that is really needed in his community.
"I'm not satisfied with the health system in Guinea-Bissau. Many young people like me can die from lack of oxygen during hospitalization, young doctors are not properly trained and clinics are not equipped as they should be. I would like new graduates to be given more effective training and job opportunities. Many graduates sit at home doing nothing and end up becoming a burden to their families," says Bufetar.
"There are no jobs for us. I know some people who have graduated from high school or university and are at home without a job. There are few opportunities for us and yet there is a lot that needs to be done. I believe that many of the young people here have everything to help. We need opportunities to improve, grow academically and professionally to make something fruitful of our lives."
Most of Bufetar's older friends who have already graduated are now unemployed and try to make a living from precarious jobs working as bricklayers or carpenters on occasion.
Normally, Bufetar tries to balance his studies by working as a secretary for one of the credit savings groups. However, now that his school has been on strike for two months, he has decided to start his own business. Thanks to his savings, he was able to travel to Bissau. There, a friend lent him a motor pump that he uses to wash cars, bicycles and motorcycles. This extra money goes into his savings and allows him to help his mother, Segunda.
Segunda attends literacy classes and the credit savings group set up by the SOS family strengthening program in Canchungo. She had never been to school before or played an active role in the family's leadership. Her elderly husband has lost most of his sight and can't do much for the family of eleven.
"This program has taught me how to spell, how to write my name, how to earn and save money. I feel more empowered and confident. I know I can be an example to my daughters. I encourage them to study, work and become independent, so that they can support their children and not depend on their husbands for a living," confesses Segunda.
Bufetar's mother encourages him to work harder and not to give up on his dream of becoming a doctor. She praises his determination. With the machine he bought with his savings, the field workers are always in contact with him; they maintain a close relationship and always advise him on his future. He admires them and stays focused," she says hopefully.
*Name changed to protect the child's privacy.
*Text and photos by Elca Cardoso Pereira