Innocent’s Story: Finding His Voice

Innocent, age 18, standing confidently at the center where he now studies and sings

Have you ever met someone whose courage speaks louder than words? That’s Innocent. At 18 years old, his story is one of quiet strength, second chances, and songs that inspire hope.

When Ubumwe Community Center team first met Innocent in 2012, he was a young boy hidden at home. His mother feared for his safety because of how others might treat him. Poverty weighed heavily on his family of seven, making school attendance difficult. Some days he could go; many days he couldn’t. Over time, the missed days turned into missed years. In fact, almost 4 years.

At one point, the family’s hardship grew so great that for nearly 2 years, Innocent was sent to beg on the streets; his small hands extended not for play, but for survival. Those were painful years, but not the end of his story. The Ubumwe team, together with local leaders, intervened to restore his right to education and safety. The solution was clear: Innocent would live at the Ubumwe Community Center, where he could finally learn, grow, and dream freely.

L-R: Innocent in his early days at the Center, Innoncent with William (Ubumwe Administrator) and Innocent enjoying the day with his school friend.

It’s been three years since that turning point. Today, Innocent attends school consistently, visits home during holidays, and thrives in an environment that celebrates his potential. His parents are now active members of Ubumwe’s Community-Based Rehabilitation (CBR) program, receiving both social and economic support that helps keep their family going. With little resources to further his education journey, his life in the classroom was at standstill.

But Innocent’s story goes beyond the classroom. He found another way to express himself—through music. With encouragement from the Ubumwe team, Innocent began writing and recording songs. In 2024, he released his first single, “Why,” a heartfelt reflection of his journey and the pain he’s overcome. In September, he followed it with a new song, “God i Pray”, a heartfelt plea to God for divine intervention in his moments of pain and uncertainty- showing how far he’s come.

Innocent in studio performing “Why” in 2024

Thanks to a YaraStar Foundation scholarship, Innocent just began secondary school; a six-year education journey that will shape his future.

Although delayed, his long awaited dream to keep learning, keep singing, and using his story to encourage others never to give up is now being realized.

When you partner with YaraStar Foundation, you make stories like Innocent’s possible—where education and creativity meet to build lives of dignity, hope and tremendous inspiration.