On the weekend, she is able to sleep in. Nani makes her bed, neatly placing her two favorite dolls on her pillow. She shares this room with her older SOS sisters.
For breakfast, Nellie has made porridge. She joins her family for the nourishing meal. “We are not in a rush to finish breakfast, since none of us is going to school today. We have time to eat, talk, and laugh.”
Next comes cleaning the dishes and other chores. Afterward, Nellie combs Nani’s long hair. “This is my princess,” she says, playfully placing a silver crown on her SOS daughter’s head. The two laugh and embrace.
Later, the family plays cards. “I do not get this game, but I play it anyway. I do it for fun, just to hang out with my family,” Nani says.
At midday, it’s time to make lunch. “I know how to cook vegetables,” Nani says as she washes spinach leaves.
Later in her room, Nani draws by the window. “Sketching is just a hobby,” she says. “My dream is to be an accountant.” Soon the outdoors beckon; Nani dashes out to play with friends. They dance and sing to Malawian tunes. “I love dancing,” Nani says between breaths. “It makes me so happy.”
There is homework to do in the evening, with her SOS mother nearby to help. Nani keeps an eye on the clock. Bedtime is early so she can be ready for a full school week of learning.
Your child sponsorship helps provide a child like Nani with everything she needs to grow up and reach her full potential—thank you for being part of the worldwide SOS family!
*Nani's name has been changed to protect her identity.