I won her trust ‎and soon had the boys called in for introductions.‎ Helping them with their schoolwork was also not far-fetched. I was insistent that I was ready to help the institution in any way required, yet ‎I gave a caveat that having an opportunity to work with and talk to the young boys and girls ‎was a priority.

She asked me a few questions to unearth my ‎background to ensure I wasn’t a wolf masquerading in sheep’s skin. The matron, ‎Mama Njeri, was short, stout and had a loving face with the potential to turn violent if ‎someone misbehaved-an African mother. That would no longer be the case as I now had plenty of time. I was from the neighbourhood and had ‎always wanted to know how I could help orphans but my schooling schedule hadn’t allowed ‎me to do so. Without wasting time, I gave my side of the story. My pursuit of literature had heightened the last few weeks, but these ‎looked nothing like my piece of cake. It was only a ‎small room with little space to navigate. The perfect place to hold a meeting with a serious ‎philanthropist as he explained what he had to offer. It seemed to be a boardroom of sorts, with chairs arranged ‎around the oval wooden table.

She was ‎momentarily absent, so the only option was to wait in the makeshift library as she was called ‎to see the Samaritan visitor. They quickly directed me to the matron’s office. I’m a hero, remember? Walking into ‎the small compound on a warm Sunday afternoon, I met a few girls seated together on the ‎grass, enjoying the sunshine. How did they ‎live? What mattered was that it would be made better. I was the hero it needed.‎įor a long time, the children’s orphanage near our home sparked my interest. Can ‎you imagine? Having graduated from high school, the world was waiting for me with open ‎arms. All plans analysed, and no stone left unturned. To win a Nobel Peace Prize in the camera lights and have everyone wish to say, ‎‎“He is my friend,” or, “She was my classmate.” The question we all have is how do we get ‎there? It is one most never find an answer to. Who doesn’t? That you will be the next big thing- the lady or lad to change ‎the world.

Dear diary book illustration