Elton and the Military School

((told by Kutxinha – educator and football coach))

I sat down with Elton (17 years old), and he told me his story:
“I went to school in Tarrafal until my mother emigrated. Since there were many underage children living in our house, my mother sent me to a military school. She said everything there was free and that the military would take care of me.

But I didn’t like it at all. There were far too many punishments, sometimes even collective punishments for things I hadn’t done.

I then returned to my siblings and decided to work. The only job I could find was in construction, which was very exhausting. I also had no time left for other activities, like playing football. Every evening I came home completely exhausted.

Now I’ve decided that next year I will go back to school, even if I don’t pass, or start some kind of vocational training. But I also want time for the things I enjoy.”