Shwe Ba is training to become a welder. He is devoted to his training. He knows that when it’s over, when he completes his training, his independence will be granted. It’s taken Shwe Ba a long time to get here.

Shwe Ba was born in the small town of Thanlyin in Myanmar. His father died when he was still very small, and his family had nothing. To survive, they had no choice but to beg at train stations. Eventually, Shwe Ba’s mother married again, but the regular beatings from his stepfather were too much for Shwe Ba to take. He was just 7 years old when he ran away. At 7, he had to fend for himself on the streets.

For a long time, life for Shwe Ba was an ongoing struggle, until he was lucky enough to be introduced to World Vision's Street Children Centre in Maynmar’s capital, Yangon. Here he was fed and sheltered, and he lived in safety. But, after only a few months, he left to live on the street again.

Shwe Ba began begging again but eventually he was captured by the police. He spent four years in various juvenile centres before being released. Ultimately, he returned to the World Vision centre.

Shwe Ba, now 17, is safe again. World Vision has arranged for his training in a variety of vocational skills. Today, he is proud to have a job. Shwe Ba is soon to finish his welding training and is already earning a small income working at bicycle repair shops and traditional handicraft stores.