Meet Martin Sewakiryanga,a teenager with many dreams.

They say, a journey of a thousand miles starts with a few steps and this could be true of a teenager at the Kampala School of Excellence Children's Home. Martin Ssewakiryanga who makes 14 this year has established himself as an outstanding character amongst the members of this institution.

He may not be quite as intelligent as Johnson Musinguzi who tops his class at Crane Education Center but definitely Martin is destined to prosper with his other interests.

Martin is among the members of the orphanage Art and Crafts group, a passion he shares with Noah Ssenkumba who is his best friend. The two have made beautiful craft and Art materials and have distinguished themselves as ambitious young artists.

But these are not enough for the boy who came from a troubled background with an abusive family, he has a passion for agriculture and animal rearing. Despite the fact that the children's home is located within an enclosure with limited space, Martin dream of having a farm has not been shattered. He has undertaken growing of different food items wherever possible and these have included potatoes, beans, maize corn and Cassava.

Martin is also the owner of three hens which he has reared for the last three months. He bought the chicks from his little savings and is destinedto reap "big" from his sweat.

" I will sell each hen at 10,000 Ug Shs, i will do this during the festive season when the demand is high" says Martin. Martin's are broilers which look for their own fod, he doesn't have to collect food for them. He has build an enclosure just below the water tower where he keeps them away from cats and dogs in the area.

Besides Art and agriculture and rearing birds, Martin plays football for the Kampala School of Excellence Junior team. The left footed player is also a starter on his school's junior and senior teams and has represented the school in both football and athletics.

Martin attributes his character to the ambition to succeed in life made possible by hope he has had since he was admitted at the children's home two years ago.

''Maybe i would be a different person, i was not at the home, i have got a lot of encouragement and guidance which helps me in my activities"

According to the KSEM Director Daniel Ntale, children like Martin need to be assisted in their interests. "He may not be doing well in class but we identify a talent or capability which we build upon to enable him have a brighter future"

And that is the essence of identification and talent development.