"My dream is to work in a wildlife organisation"

My name is Elsie Naaman. I’m twenty-two years old. I was born and grew up in Kibra. I am a single mum, I have a son who is one and a half years old. I live with my parents, and they support me.

I had my child two years after finishing high school. I met the father around this area but we are no longer together.

It was tough because I didn’t get that chance to be supported by the father, but I was able to get medical care with the help of my parents.

Giving birth was tough because the doctors were on strike so I ended up being in labour for three days. I was transferred to almost like three hospitals and eventually had to go to a private one which was expensive.

But the baby was born healthy and he doesn’t have any sickness, he’s okay.

My dream is to work in a wildlife organisation. Anything concerning wildlife, I just really like nature.

I don't want to have any more children but maybe after ten years. Maybe I’ll be stable after that ten years.

I want to be financially stable where even if the baby daddy goes away, I’m still able to support my own child with my own money.

Being a mother is hard. You have to do everything. You have to be there for the child. You have to feed them. Anywhere you go, you can’t stay without thinking about your child.

Us young mums, we need support because most young mothers are single in this generation. So many young mums stay with their parents because these men are not supporting us. In the beginning I felt like having a baby was a mistake but now I no longer regret it.

Since I was a child, I’ve been drawing. I like to sketch and people say I'm good at it. It’s something I enjoy, it’s in me. But I stopped since I gave birth because I don’t have that time.

All I wish for is a happy and peaceful life with no violence. And no poverty.

photographer's note

What struck me the most about Naaman is that she renamed herself after deciding she didn’t like her birth name. I also resonated with her artistic and nature based streak- and I’m grateful to have shared in her dreams and reflections.

Page updated

Google Sites

Report abuse