Family Background:
I was born in a family composed of seven children and parents, all born and raised in Kibera. At the age of seven years I lost both of my parents. I am the fourth born in the family. After losing my parents, I also lost the first three brothers in a span of four years. Since then, I am the bread winner to the remaining family members and a niece (my late brother’s daughter).

Essay:
Born and raised up in Kibera, my life has more negative aspects of life. Having lost my parents at a very tender age, I went to school with the help of well-wishers who paid my school fees. After losing my parents all the relatives ran away. My elder brother took over as the mother and father to six of us. I have grown up not knowing or even having the day of calling someone Aunt, Uncle, Grandparents and Cousins.

Major hardships that I face in life are insecurity with a lot of girls being raped every day, tribal clashes, unemployment, poor sanitation/hygiene, lack of parental love and guidance, lack of basic needs, during rainy seasons wondering where to lay your head as the house is leaking and, with the extreme poverty, we have been forced to survive but not live.

I chose soccer because this is the sport where I get love and fun that I missed while growing up. Soccer has made me busy in a way that I don’t have time to involve myself with bad company and even take drugs. Problem shared is a problem solved, socializing with fellow girls has made me share ideas and solve problems. Through soccer I can be a professional player in a big team and even get a scholarship to further my studies and get employment. Through soccer I can reach girls in the slums and share with them the benefit of playing soccer and avoiding bad company. Through soccer I get to love and appreciate people from different ethics and tribes.