Background Info

Shaniz Wanjiku was born on 12th April 2018 in Nakuru County. She is the last child of Margaret Muthoni. She has an elder sister Shelmill Waithera. Shaniz and her family live Rhonda slum, Nakuru County.

Margaret (Shaniz’s mother) is 29 years old. She had to drop out of school due to poverty. Her efforts to better her life made her move from the village to Nakuru town. Her lack of academic credentials made it hard for her to get a sustainable job. She got one as a shopkeeper in a small shop with a meagre pay. All her salary would be sent home to support her family. Margaret got into a romantic relationship with her employer’s son. She ended up pregnant with Shaniz’s elder sister but lost her job in the process. Her boyfriend moved to study in the city and they never communicated again.

Shaniz’s parents met when her mother moved to Nakuru County to look for a job. Shaniz’s mother is uneducated which made it hard for her to get a sustainable job. She fell in love with her second lover (Shaniz’s father) who promised her a better life. Unfortunately, Shaniz’s father was an addict with a tendency of violent outbursts. This became a source of conflict especially after the birth of Shaniz. Shaniz’s father used most of his salary on alcohol and gambling leaving his family without basic needs. One day, When Shaniz and her mother had travelled, Shaniz’s father moved away. Since they were not in a formal marriage, the authorities could not help Shaniz’s mother.

Shaniz, her mother and sister moved in Rhonda slums where they have been living ever since. Shaniz would be left with her sister as their mother went around Nakuru town looking for causal jobs. When she does not succeed, the family would go to bed hungry. They have been evicted from houses several times because their mother could not afford the rent. They (the family) would sometimes get help from well-wishers but this was very unlikely. Shaniz could not be enrolled in school after her mother failed to raise the required money food on the table for the family.

Shaniz’s case was referred to us by a concerned neighbour. Edgel Mission assessed Shaniz and we found her in dire need of support. Shaniz was admitted to Edgel Academy in 2023. She is a hard-working girl.

Shaniz needs a sponsor.