When
Victoria finished class six in primary school and the neighbour looking after
her died, she was forced by relatives to
work as a housegirl.Why should she be in school when she could earn her keep?
She is just 13 years old.
Destined to a life of drudgery, Victoria sought refuge with her grandfather, living near Watamu, hoping desperately to go back to school.
He can’t afford to feed two of them let alone send her to school where he would have to buy her books, uniform and shoes.
He can’t afford to feed two of them let alone send her to school where he would have to buy her books, uniform and shoes.
He ekes
out a living by going house to house asking for used plastic bottles which he can sell.
He is dressed in
rags and Victoria’s kanga is worn over an old tee-shirt when they come
to the Happy House.
Grandpa
has the look of a man defeated. He wants to provide, but simply cannot.
Existing
from day to day is his challenge.
When Mama and Uncle Billy hear their story, Victoria becomes our 81st Happy House kid.
When Mama and Uncle Billy hear their story, Victoria becomes our 81st Happy House kid.
Here she
will be safe, fed, loved and near enough for grandpa to visit. And she will be educated, her dream fulfilled. Grandpa's prayer answered.
His face
in his hands, grandpa sobs. He cannot believe that in a single moment their
lives have changed for the better.
‘’God has
come into our lives,’’ he tells Uncle Billy in Kswahili, as he thanks Mama over
and over again.
Immediately, Victoria is measured for school uniform, and by lunchtime is sitting down happily
to eat with her new brothers and sisters.
Last night she she slept in a bed and this morning, she wakes up to a breakfast.
Her new
journey of hope is just beginning.
It cost just 20pounds a months to sponsor a Happy House
child. If you would like to change the life of Victoria, or
another child like her, please email elizabethgomm@childrenofwatamu.net
