My parents were unable to meet my school fees so at 13 I dropped out of school. I then joined a group of boys in my village who introduced me to drug abuse, theft and other bad behavior. I ended up in prison and that is where I met YEI volunteers who advised inmates to change their behavior. I didn't take them seriously at first, but when I was released from prison I had second thoughts and decided to go to YEI and speak to their counselors. They suggested that I enroll as a community volunteer and I am now among the most respected positive change youth activists in my village. I also went back to school and am now the Coordinator of School Drama Groups at YEI. I can't believe it. But my message to all is that it is never too late to change!

Kule,,
18 years-old and YEI Community Volunteer in Nyakiyumbu.