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.

“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.