Dear Diary,

They said, “As with the butterfly, adversity is necessary to build character in people” My first phase of my life as I remember was full of challenges and unspoken words.

I was born in the Northern part of Metro Manila.  I have three (3) siblings thus includes my twin sister. I am the second among them since I was the first one to come out from my mother’s womb. My parents were vendors in the metropolis. I’ve been a good son and student. Until I reached my 5^th grade, I gradually become naughty which affected my schooling. My teachers always caught me in cutting classes and school fights. My father had been called in school for several times. I’d been in different elementary school, taking my 5^th grade but unfortunately I wasn’t able to pass it. In my fourth attempt in taking my fifth grade level, I noticed that most of my friends were in advance grade. I was left behind. So, I take it seriously. Religiously doing my school activities and keeping myself away from trouble. Then one day, while in school, my grandmother came telling me that my mother was gone. I felt that all my hope, efforts and dreams were shattered. The worst part was they never informed me when they brought her in cemetery.  I felt lost and abandoned. My former self appeared again. I stole ten thousand from my guidance teacher and stopped coming to school. Then I went to different place, make friends with business woman from military office. They shown me kindness but I ignored it. I still stole their hard earned money. I’d been caught and brought me in to the government juvenile facility. It was the hardest and darkest days of my life.

I’m about to lose hope but people from KnK came. They took me out from the government juvenile facility then brought me at KnK House for Youth. It caught me by surprise when they allowed us to take a bath and brought to health center. Thus, being here changes my life as well as my prospective.  It was more than a shelter for me. Here, I became a normal kid. I was enrolled in a formal school which allowed me to travel back and pro. I eat well and feel safe. Happiness filled my life. I meet friends who accepted me, house parents that guided me, and teacher whom able to teach me when meeting difficulties in our school activities. I found a family here. They motivated me and give aspiration. Education become valuable as the day goes by. Through series of activities, it builds confidence within me.

My life here never had been dull even pandemic COVID-19 strikes. Modules were inevitable and the most challenging part. I keep striving for I know there is a brighter future ahead of me.

There are a lot of reasons to thank the KnK House for Youth. First, they stilled hope in my heart. Though life may not be a bed of roses, as long as I am alive, there is hope and future. Secondly, It motivates me by building confidence that though my age doesn’t fit with my schooling age, I should not look into it. What matters most is the willingness to finish the course. I was able to pass my intermediate year. Currently, I’m in my 7^th grade and doing well. And lastly, I am thanking them for allowing me to breathe freely and live like a normal kids whom enjoying every right I have.

 In all the things I had experience: I may quote “In the depth of winter, I finally learned that within me there lay an invincible summer,”   by Albert Camus.

I thank you KnK Philippines.