Raymond Mbassegue

Raymond Mbassegue (16), growing up in Nigeria amid economic hardship, Raymond experienced interruptions to his own education due to financial struggles and was exposed to child labor as a way to help support his family. Limited access to healthcare meant even minor illnesses sometimes became serious.

Despite these challenges, Raymond has become a voice of encouragement for others. He talks with peers involved in street hawking or child labor about the importance of staying in school, and helps younger children with homework and basic learning whenever he can. He also shares simple health and hygiene practices with other children in his community.

Through consistent, face-to-face engagement — in informal gatherings, at school, and in his neighborhood — Raymond has built real trust and respect among both children and adults around him.

Raised by his single mother after the loss of his father, Raymond shows that even facing hardship himself, he can still be a steady source of support and hope for other children.