Pinto’s Story: From Survival to Hope

Early Struggles

Pinto Dishon grew up in Homa Bay County, but his childhood was marked by tragedy. He lost both of his parents at the age of 10, and three years later, the guardian caring for him also passed away.

With nowhere else to go, Pinto moved to Mathare in Nairobi to live with his older brother. Surrounded by poverty and hardship, he became vulnerable to negative influences and was eventually drawn into street life and crime.

At 15, he was arrested and placed in a juvenile rehabilitation centre. During this time, he discovered acrobatics and music, which gave him hope and a glimpse of a better future. However, after completing rehabilitation and returning home, he faced rejection from relatives forcing him to flee back to Nairobi. With no support system and nowhere safe to go, he once again found himself trapped in street life and crime.

Turning Point

Pinto’s turning point came when he met Pastor Joshua, a community leader who saw beyond his circumstances. Rather than ignoring him, Pastor Joshua took time to listen, encourage, and support him.

Recognising that Pinto needed more than emotional support, Pastor Joshua connected him with Grace Empowerment Organization (GEO), where he joined the Half-Way House rehabilitation programme.

Learning to Rebuild

When Pinto arrived at the Half-Way House, he carried years of pain, rejection, and trauma. He struggled to trust others and often kept to himself.

Through counselling, mentorship, and a safe environment, he slowly began to heal. He learned basic life skills, developed healthy routines, and discovered the value of responsibility and self-respect.

One unexpected passion stood out: cooking.

What began as helping prepare meals soon became something he genuinely loved. Cooking gave him a sense of purpose, confidence, and belonging.

Growing in Confidence

As time went on, Pinto became more disciplined and self-assured. Through life-skills training, mentorship, and personal reflection, he learned to see himself differently, not as a victim of his past, but as a young man with potential and a future.

He also developed interests in spoken word poetry and public speaking, finding healthy ways to express his experiences and inspire others.

Choosing a New Future

Initially, Pinto dreamed of becoming a computer engineer. However, because his education had been interrupted at an early age, he did not meet the entry requirements for that career path.

Although disappointed, he took time to reflect and realised his true passion was in the kitchen.

With support from Pastor Joshua and his team, Pinto enrolled in a Certificate Course in Food Production and Service. Despite the challenges of returning to education after years away from school, he has shown determination, resilience, and a strong desire to learn.

Looking Ahead

Today, Pinto dreams of building a successful career in the hospitality industry and progressing to diploma-level studies in the future.

More importantly, he hopes his story will encourage other young people facing hardship. Having experienced loss, street life, rejection, and hopelessness, he wants others to know that their past does not have to define their future.

Pinto’s story is a powerful reminder that when vulnerable young people are given care, guidance, and opportunity, transformation is possible. Through the support of Pastor Joshua, Grace Empowerment Organization, and dedicated mentors, Pinto has been given more than a second chance: he has been given hope for a better future.