I am 10 years old. I live in Watoto Wema Centre with my younger sister.
My name is Doreen. I am 10 years old. I live in Watoto Wema Centre with my younger sister. We came to Watoto Wema Centre, because my mom could not afford to pay rent, so we started sleeping and living in Nairobi’s streets. We slept out in the cold though it was worse when it rained.
My mom likes to drink a lot of alcohol and when drunk, I have to take care of my sister. When we came to Watoto Wema Centre I liked it a lot. We have a bed, a nice place to sleep and we could go to school every day, though I miss my mom.
My mom was taken for rehabilitation and after 6 months she came out. She managed to rent a small room in the area where we used to live in Mathare slums. Houses are made from Iron sheets and are very small. Mom got a 1 room house where she put a bed and utensils. There are a lot of thieves so you are always on the lookout. We take care of each other and know a lot of people there. I am happy my mom is getting better.
In the school holidays we stay with her. It feels so good to be around mom again. After the schools were closed for August holiday we agreed with Uncle John (social worker Watoto Wema Centre) that we would start living with my mom again. We went with Uncle John to my mom’s place. We agreed that I and my sister can start living with my mom again.
We went to my former school and they agreed to readmit us. Now I can go back to school where I know most of the kids and can continue being friends with my old friends. The children that I’ve met in Watoto Wema Centre will also still be my friends and I’ll visit them when I’m free.
We all live in the small house, at night we just put the small table on top of the seat and put a mattress down on the floor. My sister and I sleep there. It’s not as comfortable as a bed, but it’s with mom. That is typical of where we live.
I am grateful that we could take refuge in Watoto Wema Centre when mom was sick, but now I am happy to be home.