Paolo Patruno is a humanitarian photographer who creates evocative, compelling images which promote action and change for the sake of the most vulnerable people in the world. Paolo’s social documentary work gives a powerful voice to the people that need support by capturing the real need for the work of NGOs, aid and non-profit organizations in pictures.
Wellington, 34 years old. Married with Elube, 28 years, they have 3 children 6, 4 and 1 year old. Since 2008 he has worked at City Lilongwe Assembly for roads maintenance, with a monthly salary of 8.100 kwacha, about 35 euros.
Finished the secondary school Wellington wanted to study to become a Catholic priest, but the lack of money from his family forced him to leave the village in the district of Ntcheu to find out a job in the capital of Malawi, Lilongwe.
After finding his first job, a private business in the sale of salt, W. began drinking at the age of 18: first of 5 brothers, the responsibility to help his family, was too strong for him that was still a boy.
The local beer Chibuku, for the cost of a few tens of eurocents, and so easily accessible, was a way to redirect the mind from all thoughts and problems. When Wellington finishes working around 4pm, he goes home, washes, then goes to one of the many bars that are in the area where he lives. This all days, from monday to sunday. At the end of the month he may spend even 2.000/2.500 K for beers, ¼ of his current salary, almost the cost of the house rent; when he has not money his friends can offer for his Chibuku. In 2001 at the request and hard-pressed of his wife, Wellington tried stop drinking: he was almost successful, but when at the end of the year his wife was due to return to her village for few months, far from his family, loneliness has reported Wellington on the road of alcohol.
Today Wellington is trying to stop. He feels stronger and to be better man, husband and father. He wants to do it most of all for his children!
Weekend portfolio selected by Jean-Luc Monterosso.
