Inside the life of a caregiver in Nakuru's children's home

Working as a caregiver in a children’s home is a profoundly rewarding yet challenging role, that plays a vital part in the lives of vulnerable children.

Mtaa Wangu meets Rose Mary Mukami, at Israel Faith Children’s Home in Lanet. Ms Mukami has ten years’ experience as a caregiver but has worked at the centre for six years.

The 31 year old says, “The life of a caregiver depends on how someone looks at it. For me, it is not just about doing work and getting paid, but it is a calling and a passion.”

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She narrates how she completed her course in community Development in 2012 before training in one of the rescue centres in Nakuru as both a social worker and a caregiver.

“My day starts at 6:30am, where I prepare breakfast and ensure every child going to school is ready by 7am. Once they leave, I embark on doing some chores as I take care of the remaining children as well as touch on a bit of administrative work.”

Interestingly, Mukami says she makes  a point of bonding with each child by either playing with them, or reading bed time stories as this helps with the child’s development.

“To the children, I am their mother and with that they reveal to me everything that happens in their lives. Most of this information breaks my heart knowing that the children have experienced so much pain at a young age,” Mukami says sadly.

According to her, the most traumatizing experience happened early last year, when she had to take care of a 12-year-old girl who had been sexually abused by her father, after social workers brought her to the centre.

“The child had managed to run away from their home together with her two younger siblings and went to the police station. They were brought to us by social workers,” she recalls.

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Additionally, she notes that it is emotionally draining to watch children battling various medical conditions like cancer, as she is forced to be strong for them.

In light of this, Mukami says she undergoes therapy occasionally to help her manage the emotions that come with being a caregiver.

“Working as a caregiver has helped me manage my anger issues. As a mother of two, I have developed a better attitude towards my children.”

Asked what keeps her going, she says seeing the children that pass through her hands become a better person in the society makes the job worthwhile.

“We had a girl five years ago who came from a family with domestic violence. She had run to the centre after her father threatened to kill her, together with her four siblings and the mother. Her only request was to get education.”

“Then in class 7, the girl managed to complete class 8 with a good grade, joined a local secondary school and finished as the top student in the school. She is currently studying Bachelor of Engineering,” Mukami says smiling.

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Concluding with a smile she points out that being a caregiver is a noble calling that requires immense dedication, compassion and resilience.

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