Edson abotama na Angola, kaka nsima mboka ezwaki lipanda. Azalaki mwana mobali moko molayi. Mpo na kimolayi na ye atelemaki. Bato oyo bazalaki kopesa minduki na bana mpo na kobunda lokola basodá na bitumba ya bana mboka balingaki bana mibali lokola ye.
Edson was born in Angola, just after the country became independent. He was a very tall boy. Because of his height he stood out. The people who were giving weapons to children to fight as soldiers in the civil war wanted boys like him.
Mama na ye azalaki kobanga ete bakanga ye, yango azwaki mokano ya kotinda ye na Portugal mpo afanda na tata mwasi. Akanisaki akozala na kimia kuna.
His mother was afraid they would take him, so she decided to send him to live in Portugal with an aunt. She thought he would be safe there.
Ezalaki mpasi na ebandeli, lokola Edson azalaki kozanga ntango ya molunge, bileyi ya mboka na ye mpe, mingimingi koleka, ndenge mama na ye azalaki koyamba mpe kopesa ye lipwepwe.
It was very difficult to begin with, as Edson missed the warm weather, the traditional food and, most of all, his mother’s hugs and kisses.
Azalaki koloba Portugais malamu te mpe amonaki yango mpasi mpo na kolanda mateya mpe kosolola na baninga na ye ya kelasi. Amitunaki soki ezalaki mpenza likanisi ya malamu ya koya na Portugal.
He did not speak Portuguese well and found it very hard to follow his classes and the conversations of his classmates. He wondered if it was a good idea to come to Portugal after all.
Mokolo moko molakisi moko amonaki ndenge azalaki malamu na lisano ya basketball. Akotaki na ekipi moko ya basketi mpe alongaki malamu mingi. Ayebanaki na eteyelo mpe akomaki na baninga ebele. Akómaki mpe komitiela motema mingi.
One day a teacher noticed how good he was at basketball. He joined a basketball team and was very successful. He became popular at school and made friends. He also became more confident.
Sikoyo, lokola akómi mokóló, Edson azali koyekolisa bana oyo bakimá mboka na bango mpe bato mosusu mpo ete bazanga ntina té na miso ya bato. Mbala moko, molayi na ye etiaki ye na likama ya kokoma soda na kibomwana. Sikoyo, molai na ye ezali kopesa ye makasi ya kosalisa bato mosusu mpo bámiyoka ete babatelami.
Now that he is an adult, Edson trains refugee children and others at risk of being excluded from society. Once, his height put him in danger of becoming a child soldier. Now, his height gives him strength to help others feel safe.
