Longoli’s Story

Longoli is the youngest and only girl in the family. She remembers meeting her father once and says that he may still be alive, but does not know for sure. Longoli’s mother tried her best to take care of her children, but she did not have a job and earning money was a big challenge. The burden often went to Longoli’s older brothers who were still children themselves. They would go to town to dig in rubbish pits and beg for food. Longoli’s mother and brothers would try to find work in the day time, which meant that baby Longoli would often stay unattended all day without food or shelter.

Longoli’s brother, Paul, met Heidi one day in town. After receiving a simple “thank you” from him after she gave him and his friends food, Heidi decided to help more. Brother Paul was brought into a home, went to school and The Peace for Paul Foundation was born. Shortly after, her brothers joined as well as little Longoli. 

She still has almost no recollection of life before Peace for Paul. Her big brother Paul is her hero, and they love each other so much. Longoli loves studying in school and is a happy child. Longoli’s mother is still struggling, and has developed HIV, but she makes sure to come and visit Longoli on holidays. Peace for Paul ensures that they have every opportunity to build their relationship and spend as much time together as possible.