We’re thrilled to share some wonderful news: Charlie has gained admission to Pour un sourire d’enfant (PSE), an NGO that offers vocational courses and which we visited recently, where he’s starting an exciting new chapter of his life. He will follow a three-year Film School program, beginning with one year of foundation classes followed by two years at the TVET school.
Charlie first came to Little Hearts in 2019 with his younger sister. Since then, he has spent seven years growing up as part of our family. We’ve watched him grow from a boy into a young man, discovering his interests, developing his talents, and gradually finding his own path. Now, it’s time for Charlie to take an important step toward independence as he embarks on a new journey at PSE.
This opportunity is particularly exciting because it allows Charlie to explore his creative interests and develop practical skills for his future career. He’s already learning French, practicing video editing, and developing his photography and computer skills. Through hands-on orientation classes, he’s also getting a taste of what it’s like to work in the film industry, including experiencing the role of an assistant film director and learning how to make a short film.
But this new chapter is about much more than studying film. It’s also about learning to stand on his own two feet. As Charlie explains, life at PSE has already taught him many things he never had to manage by himself before: he has to wake up independently, keep his clothes and shoes clean, wash his own dishes, organize his daily routine, and take responsibility for his studies. Living alongside students from various backgrounds has also taught him patience, teamwork, and how to get along with people of different personalities.
Charlie is proud of the progress he’s made, particularly in his attitude and the way he relates to others. It’s lovely to hear him reflect on how much he has grown and how determined he is to keep improving himself, one day at a time. He’s also discovering that he can take on greater responsibilities. Recently, he had the opportunity to assist his caretaker at PSE with a field trip involving six buses and 150 children. It was a valuable experience that helped him develop his leadership and organizational skills.
Throughout this journey, Charlie hasn’t forgotten where he comes from. He remains deeply grateful to the teachers who supported him at Little Hearts and helped him develop his English, a skill he now recognizes as an important foundation. Although he’s excited about his new life, he admits that he misses dad Tony and his teachers, brothers, sisters, and friends at Little Hearts.
Most importantly, Charlie wants dad Tony to know how much his encouragement meant to him. In his own words, dad is his motivation to keep trying, especially when life becomes tiring or challenging. He’s determined to make the most of the opportunities he’s been given and hopes to make everyone who believed in him proud.
Although we may no longer see him every day as we did when he lived at home, our connection to Charlie does not end here. Little Hearts will continue to support his studies at PSE, helping him pursue his education, develop his talents, and work toward his dreams. We believe that giving children the opportunity to grow also means trusting them to take the next steps, while making sure they know they’re not alone. We will also welcome him home whenever he’s on holiday.