Eric Just Wants To Dance

With support from Mary’s Meals, Eric is working hard to overcome poverty and fulfil his ambitions.

- Stuart Johnstone

Eric is a teenager bursting with ambition. He know exactly what he wants and is willing to work hard to get it. After seeing someone dancing, he knew he wanted to do the same thing, and all the hardships of his life will not stop him from achieving his dream.

The 13-year-old from Eldoret, Kenya, lives with his mother, brother and sister. As his mum is sick, every day is a challenge and as the oldest sibling, he takes a lot of responsibility on his young shoulders. However, he faces things head on, with a quiet confidence and positive attitude that arises from sheer determination to improve his life.

“In the future, I want to be a singer and dancer. I love dancing,” he said.

“I am in the Environmental Club at school and sometimes we dance for our guests. The only people who know I can dance are my mother and the people in my class. I sometimes entertain them.

“I saw someone else dancing and I liked it. The music was catchy and I really got interested in it.

“There’s a local dance group in Eldoret called One Family One Talent. They are famous in Eldoret. It’s a mixed group – men and women. There is a local song that is good to dance to that they use. I practise with a group called Pulse. There are four of us, aged up to 18.”