Kenya: Watu Wa Maana, a children’s community I learnt from
“Kenya is a beautiful country, known for its famous wildlife, beautiful landscapes and a country of great runners. All these unique symbolic features make Kenya one of the eminent countries within the African continent. I grew up believing that it is all these physical entities surrounding my country, that made it the amazing nation it is today. I however overlooked one main aspect that plays a key role in the dynamics of Kenya’s growth.
It is through the experience that I had at a place I now consider sacred in my heart, that changed my perception of Kenya. It is through this phenomenon I encountered, that I was able to see beyond what the naked eyes could. That what made Kenya so beautiful was not only the physical entities I see and hear about each and every day, but the people of Kenya. The unrevealed truth of what makes a country magnificent is found deep within the communities, the place where untold stories and unrevealed movements for change and growth are found. It is within the different communities that one can really grasp the deeper meaning and understanding of a country’s culture.
The sacred place was a children’s home, located in the outskirts of the capital city, Nairobi. The town is known as Ruiru, an industrial area filled with factories producing all kinds of products that are circulated into the cities. It is in this town where “Watu Wa Maana” is located, a place where I spent each and every day for 3 months serving children, and in the process built beautiful and unforgettable friendships. The direct translation of “Watu wa maana” from swahili is “Important people”. A home built for children who are considered important and in fact they were. It is a place for children who have been neglected by their parents and left on the streets to suffer, for those who grew up in homes where they were abused and told they were worth nothing in life.
When children are brought to Watu wa maana they get back a sense of hope. The place not only provides them with a home but an environment of peace that gives them an ability to get education and work towards becoming better people in life. They regain the confidence to chase after their dreams; those that most thought were impossible or simply imaginations. I spent most of my days at Watu wa maana cooking, cleaning and playing with these children.
I always looked forward to spending my days with them because their radiant smiles and energy always left me feeling pleasant. I began to feel as if I was part of their community and I believe they felt the same too because they began to share their stories with me. Stories that were once secrets and too painful to share; these stories touched me in ways that I cannot explain; I could not imagine anyone going through some of their misfortunes. They allowed me to see the hope they still strongly hold on to and this made me greatly admire them.
I went there as a teacher, ready to teach them and share with them my experience as a student and the ways in which they can succeed in school and life. However, instead of being the one teaching them I became the student. Having been through a lot of hardships in their upbringings at such a young age, these children seemed to have gained a lot of wisdom. Their ability to be content and happy with what life has offered them is what made me have great respect and admiration towards them.
I therefore came out of that beautiful place having learnt what really the essence of a community is, and how a community can provide a kind of happiness that is unmeasurable. There was some deep rooted beauty among these children, and this home they built for each other that was unexplainable but simply breathtaking.
That is why my country is magnificent, not because of its famous landscapes and tourist attractions, but because the social structures within have successfully formed communities that build homes for children who don’t have homes and a family that cares for them.”
The story of the Children’s Watu Wa Maana community
By Brenda Nyamichaba
Visit her blog: Bellapace Books
Author: Stan McWest
Hi readers, I am Stan Teyingo, McWest. I was born in Togo/Lome, grew up in Kenya/ Nairobi where i spent over 18 years before moving to the U.S for higher education and work. I’m extremely passionate about the African culture. Having traveled to over 15 countries in Africa, I’m proud to say that I have experienced different values and cultures that I now use in my everyday life skills. Today I’m am extremely grateful to be given the opportunity to write positive articles on Africa, so guys have a scroll
