SOS story – August 3 2017

Marcellin’s journey to success

Since 1968 SOS Children’s Villages UK has supported thousands of children growing up in one of our SOS Children’s Villages around the world. One of them is Marcellin Gandonou from Benin, who is studying for a master’s degree, and who told us how SOSUK, through our sister organsations, helped him on the road to success.

“I’m Marcellin Gandonou from the Republic of Benin in West Africa. I had the opportunity to be admitted at SOS Children’s Village of Abomey-Calavi in 1989 – not long after I lost my mother and, some years later, my father.

I was given all I needed and, with their outstanding work, they made sure I got the care I needed to move on in life. I’m one of those lucky kids who got the opportunity to live with SOS ‘til the age of 25. This is because of my good school results and good conduct.

I could never be the person I am today if not for the unyielding support of my SOS Mother and the team in place to make sure we as kids had a sound and peaceful life. With their help and God’s grace, I have acquired knowledge from diverse backgrounds including law, public administration, gender and development, green economy, governance and regional integration.

Today as a Pan African Scholar, I’m in Cameroon pursuing a Master’s of Art in governance and regional integration under the fellowship of the African Union. I’m thankful and hope to be of help to this great organisation, which has invested a lot in me through care and education.

As former US President Barack Obama said a while ago during his annual State of the Union address: 'Nothing in life that’s worth anything is easy.' But I can say I’m on track to reach that better place beyond the horizon. Thanks to you, SOS!”
 
Today, Marcellin is styding for a Master's degree in Cameroon
 

"I’m so grateful for not only being a child of SOS but because without them I could surely not be the person I am today."

Marcellin Gandonou


Help set more children on the path to success by sponsoring an SOS Village today.