— "Hi, my name is Mauro. What is your name?"
— "Trombone."
— "Do you want food today?"
— "No, trombone."
— "Do you want shelter?"
— "No, trombone."
— "Education?"
— "No, I want a trombone."
It wasn’t a nickname. It wasn’t a joke. Benson wasn’t asking for food, or clothes, or even a bed for the night.
He was asking for just one thing: a trombone.
Day after day, for months, every time during food distribution, the answer was always the same.
It didn’t matter how hungry he was, or how cold, what he truly longed for was to play.
His dream was simple, yet distant. And still, sometimes the beauty of solidarity lies in those who are able to see value even in the smallest, most unexpected dreams. One person, one among many who believe in Malaika’s mission, decided to do something. They donated a trombone.
When we handed it to him, Benson held it like he had found a missing part of himself. No words, just tears, and a sound. Hesitant and shy at first, but full of life. The trombone became his treasure, and today it is safely kept at the Malaika home.
Malaika is now looking for a music school that can welcome him, nurture that raw talent, and help turn it into a real opportunity. We want Benson to be able to express himself, to grow, and maybe, just maybe, to one day inspire other children like him to believe that even the oddest dreams can find a way.
This isn’t just the story of a boy who wanted an instrument.
It’s proof that listening, truly listening, can make a difference.
Sometimes, it doesn’t take much to change a life. Sometimes, all it takes... is a trombone.