What challenges do you face as an orphan or child of a single mother?

By Winsley Masese

Christine Anyango, Kisumu East District

I do not have a father and getting a good education is unlikely. I moved to a children’s centre in 2007 and have not seen my mother ever since. I do not know how she is faring on. I also lack parental love. I think taking a walk with your parents is very pleasurable.

Christine Anyango

Steve Biko

Julius Otieno

Francis Opondi

Steve Biko, Kisumu West District

I come from a single parent family and I think it is challenging. Other children discriminate against you. I have seen them do it to my siblings and felt sorry for them. I wish I could give them the parental love they lack.

As a boy, I would have learnt more from my father if he were alive, and probably inherit anything he would leave behind.

Julius Otieno, Kisumu West District

My greatest wish is to build my mother a decent house when I grow up. I know that would have been my father’s responsibility, if he were alive. I wish I could ride a bicycle like children with both parents. What great joy there is when you are walking with your parents, with them holding your hand!

Francis Opondi, Saint Clare Orphanage, Kisumu East District

I am an orphan and the greatest challenge is lack of financial and parental support. A child with parents can request for a gift, and if the parents are not able to offer it, they can promise to do so later. Children without parents have no one to ask for toys. I take my studies seriously, because it’s the only way to achieve what I cannot get from parents. In future, I want to meet the needs of my children.