Yes, I do see also this platform and the concept it carries like a way for many people to better their lives.

In addition to the little revenue it can bring, which can be quite significant in some countries of the world, it opens the door to education and culture through the many sub-communities that are building up here (like #Steemstem in science, or #openmic in music, etc...).

So your young friend, would there have been a Steemit around at the time, could have been learning new skills while earning money at the same time, instead of selling Kerosene in the streets.