In March of 2009, baby Amina was born to a mother who died in labor. The child’s father was unable to attend to the needs of the newborn.  The police in neighboring town Nakawuka were aware of the problem and contacted Malayaka House for support, as the neighbors who had been looking after the baby were too poor to feed the child and handed her back to her ailing father. Robert picked up the little girl and took her to Malayaka House.

From the beginning, it has been a struggle to keep Amina healthy, as this little girl used to catch everything the wind blows through.   She has suffered with chronic coughs, diarrhea, ear infections, rashes, and struggles to put on and keep up her weight.  Every day used to be a new challenge and although we were always prepared for the worst, Amina is a fighter through and through and apparently entered this world with a spirit and determination to survive.

The Aunties love Amina like no other and watch over her from one end of the day to the other.

Amina is very active and loves to run, swim, and fly through the air.  Her favorite activity is being pushed around the compound on a skateboard by any of the other rough and tumble boys in our care. She is fearless, bold, and confident.  These days she also like pushing the little ones around. When she is not bubbling over with exuberance shouting, singing, and cheering about, she can generally be found working alongside the Aunties.  As they do with all the children, the Aunties give Amina important jobs and tasks, like sweeping, carrying dirty dishes to the kitchen, and picking stones from the beans and rice.

So far nothing can get between Amina and her will to thrive.  No child could possibly love life as much as this precious girl.  Amina is growing stronger every day.

She graduated from Nursery in 2015 and she started in Pearl of Africa School with Elijah and Arnold. She loves going to school, and the entire house cannot help but be lifted up by her smile, every day.

We love you, sweet Amina!