Help with Food
Meet
Samentha Jean is now 14 years old and in grade 6 and her favorite subject math. She thinks the new school building is really nice with such fine class rooms. She has her very own school desk and sits in one of the corners, where she is very happy.
When the earthquake struck, she was on the second floor of an old building and still is scared of being inside. The new school building has a roof of corrugated iron which feels safer according Samentha.
“I learn new and good things in a much better environment, says Samentha. It's easy to go to school now. The teachers feel more motivated, they explain things well so that I understand in a simple way. They also keep order in the class.”
The father has children from a previous relationship. Samentha is one of the older children in the household, which means that she has to take a big responsibility. She must look after the younger children and help with household chores like washing dishes, cleaning the house and sweeping in front of the house.
Samentha tells us that life as a teenager is not easy.
“We are so many who live here, it's tough. There are many mouths to feed. Sometimes we can go several days without hot food. Then it's a heavy time, but at the same time, I am grateful for the lunch we receive in school. Without it learning would have been impossible.
Several of Samenthas siblings go to another school and her Mom and Dad are having trouble paying school fees, buy school uniforms and school supplies.
- We cannot buy anything more than the essentials, no clothes, for example, says Samentha.
In her spare time Samentha likes to play basketball. It's mostly for fun, she says, but it would be fun to learn more. As an adult she would like to work as a seamstress, which seems to be a fun job. She also wants to learn a lot about computers, as she believes it may be important in the future.
Her favorite food is the popular dish fried banana with rice, and she likes to drink freshly squeezed juice.
Perhaps you can help a child like Samentha.
