Each and every girl at Pippi house has their own individual story about the unfortunate life events that led them to live at the home. Their stories are brave, inspiring, and each one includes their hopes and dreams for the future.
Nemzungu
I am 16 years old and studying in Form 3. I have lived at Pippi house for 2 years. I lived with my family until I finished primary school, but then my Grandfather who is the head of the family said I was no longer allowed to study and I needed to marry. I decided to run away to the pastor and he called social services who fortunately brought me here to Pippi house. I have not been back to visit my home since leaving as I am afraid of an arranged marriage.
My ambition is to be a lawyer, as I would like to deal with human rights and enable children like me to go to school who are prevented by their families.
I feel safe and happy here at Pippi house. I know money is a struggle as we need help with bus fares, food and school fees but I hope Pippi house stays open and continues to help people like me.
Nemzungu
I am 16 years old and studying in Form 3. I have lived at Pippi house for 2 years. I lived with my family until I finished primary school, but then my Grandfather who is the head of the family said I was no longer allowed to study and I needed to marry. I decided to run away to the pastor and he called social services who fortunately brought me here to Pippi house. I have not been back to visit my home since leaving as I am afraid of an arranged marriage.
My ambition is to be a lawyer, as I would like to deal with human rights and enable children like me to go to school who are prevented by their families.
I feel safe and happy here at Pippi house. I know money is a struggle as we need help with bus fares, food and school fees but I hope Pippi house stays open and continues to help people like me.
Amina
I am 20 years old and have lived at Pippi house for 4 years. I have completed Form 4 and would like to study social work at college so I can help other people like myself and change their lives. However for this I need a sponsor. I have never lived with my parents, from a very young age I worked as a house maid, where I was forced to do all of the cleaning and cooking. I was treated very badly by this family so I ran away and lived on the streets. I survived by begging from passing cars and sleeping in shop doorways in a maize sack. Luckily I was rescued and eventually came to live at Pippi house. I cannot thank Pippi house enough, this feels like family and I am safe. Religion is very important to me, I pray every evening and love to sing at church on a Sunday, I hope to be a gospel singer.
I am 20 years old and have lived at Pippi house for 4 years. I have completed Form 4 and would like to study social work at college so I can help other people like myself and change their lives. However for this I need a sponsor. I have never lived with my parents, from a very young age I worked as a house maid, where I was forced to do all of the cleaning and cooking. I was treated very badly by this family so I ran away and lived on the streets. I survived by begging from passing cars and sleeping in shop doorways in a maize sack. Luckily I was rescued and eventually came to live at Pippi house. I cannot thank Pippi house enough, this feels like family and I am safe. Religion is very important to me, I pray every evening and love to sing at church on a Sunday, I hope to be a gospel singer.
Glory
I am 19 Years old and completing Form 4. I came to Pippi House 4 years ago when I was 7 months pregnant with Patric. I was living with my Mum until I finished primary school but she became too ill to look after me and went to live with her brother, who lives too far away for me to visit. I receive no support from Patric's father. I came to Pippi House and Aristides helped me with Patric and continuing school. I am very happy here as everyone is so supportive, like a family. I would like to go to college to study to be a Teacher of arts. I am looking forward to setting up my own home in the future.
I am 19 Years old and completing Form 4. I came to Pippi House 4 years ago when I was 7 months pregnant with Patric. I was living with my Mum until I finished primary school but she became too ill to look after me and went to live with her brother, who lives too far away for me to visit. I receive no support from Patric's father. I came to Pippi House and Aristides helped me with Patric and continuing school. I am very happy here as everyone is so supportive, like a family. I would like to go to college to study to be a Teacher of arts. I am looking forward to setting up my own home in the future.