Wangeci’s journey to a loving home

Five year old Wangeci stared as large fumes of smoke billowed from the only home she knew. The house made of wood and roofed with iron-sheets burned quickly, set on fire by assailants during Kenya’s post-election violence in 2007.

Wangeci and her three siblings lived with their grandmother in Burnt Forest in the Rift Valley region, but after the fire, “we lived in a tent that had holes in it and there were no beds; we slept on the floor,” says Wangeci. “Nights were very cold and when it rained our floor would soak up but we just slept on it. We survived on hand-outs from well-wishers.”

With these conditions having a negative effect on the younger children, the government directed that they be moved to a local children’s orphanage.

Playing darts in Nairobi, Kenya“I thought life would be better in the home but it turned out to be the worst of all,” says Wangeci. “They separated me from my siblings – the only family I had left. I was alone; my brothers who offered me comfort were gone. I had forgotten what it was like to be happy, to have everything I needed.”

Life was not unkind to Wangeci for long. In 2009, the four siblings reunited in a permanent home and family in SOS Children’s Village Nairobi.

Now in a safe and caring home, Wangeci tells us what family means to her.

What is a family?

“A family is a group of people who live together. A family gives you a sense of belonging; it makes you smile even when you do not feel like it. They also protect you at all costs.”

What does your SOS Family mean to you?

“My SOS family means a lot to me. I have many siblings and we have fun together. I also have a full time mother who takes care of me. Her support is very important to me.”

When do you feel like part of a family?

“I find that when we do things together there is a spirit of togetherness, for example sharing out chores. We also play games together. I also feel that I have accomplished my role as a family member when I help my younger siblings complete their homework.”

What do you think your life would be like if you did not have a family?

“I would have been terribly frustrated. I would have no parental care and guidance and I would not have gone to school. I would be unhealthy due to lack of proper nutrition.

Canadians wishing to help vulnerable children are encouraged to sponsor a child, sponsor a Village or make a one-time donation. Your support will change the lives of orphaned, abandoned and other vulnerable children. Please help today.