8-Year-Old Scrap Collector in Douala Hopes to Return to School

Ankara: 8-year-old Alain, a scrap collector from Douala, spends his days searching through discarded materials to provide for his family. Each day, he sets out around 10 am, looking for scrap metal, which he sells to support his widowed mother and three siblings. The money, sometimes amounting to 500 or 600 CFA francs, is crucial for buying food. According to Cameroon News Agency, Alain's family has faced significant hardships since the death of his father three years ago. Living in a one-room house in Yassa, they struggle to make ends meet. Alain and his 11-year-old brother have dropped out of school, while their five-year-old sibling has never attended. The youngest, a baby girl, is only three weeks old. Alain dreams of returning to school, but financial constraints make it impossible. Catherine, Alain's mother, explains that the loss of her husband left her with no reliable income. Her immediate goal is to find a way to feed her children and send them back to school. The family also struggles with rent p ayments, having gone about 10 months without paying. Their landlord, Collins Bertrand, has allowed them to stay, understanding their situation. Alain's story gained attention online, with many expressing sympathy for the young boy. The family's situation has drawn offers of help, with people donating money and food. Originally from Yagoua in Cameroon's Far North Region, they hope for enough support to rebuild their lives. Despite the attention, Alain continues his daily search for scrap metal, his school days replaced by long hours on the streets to meet his family's basic needs. His story came to light after a video alleged he stole scrap from his uncle, which has since circulated on social media, attracting more support and turning the family into local celebrities.