John Wroe Awarded Honorary Doctorate

December 3, 2025

This month, Street Child United was proud to celebrate our Co-Founder and CEO, John Wroe, receiving an Honorary Doctorate from the University of the West of England (UWE) in recognition of his outstanding contribution to social change and child rights advocacy.

This honour is more than a celebration of John’s leadership. It is a tribute to the young people whose courage drives our mission, and to all the partners, volunteers, and supporters who stand with us in challenging the negative perceptions and treatment of street-connected children worldwide.

A moment to celebrate

John’s longstanding commitment to this work has been recognised before. In 2015, he was awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) in the Queen’s Birthday Honours. Within Pakistan, where Street Child United’s impact has been particularly significant, he is affectionately known as a “VIP, Very Important Pakistani.”

This Honorary Doctorate stands out as a moment of celebration for all of us, a recognition that Street Child United’s work is reshaping perceptions and driving change around the world.

In his acceptance speech, John reflected on the philosophy that has shaped his life’s work: ubuntu – “I am because we are.” It is the spirit he sees reflected in every volunteer, supporter, and partner who chooses compassion and community. As John said, “We find ourselves when we lose ourselves in the service of others.”

The Young People Who Inspire Us

He also spoke of the countless young people who have shaped Street Child United, including Sadock John from Tanzania, whom John met at the first World Cup in 2010. Sadock, once living on the streets, received his first birth certificate and passport through SCU. Today, he is studying at The University of West England and will graduate next year.

Stories like Sadock’s, and countless others, are at the heart of why SCU exists.

John closed his speech with the message at the core of our work:

“I am somebody.”

It is the message every street-connected young person deserves to know, and a message to every young leader stepping into a world in need of empathy and courage. It is a message that echoes the purpose of Street Child United: to ensure every child is recognised as somebody, valued, capable, and full of promise.

Congratulations, Dr. John Wroe, and thank you for inspiring us, all.

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