My father died when I was very young so my mother told us we were orphans.  We were living in Emarti but faced a difficult life because my mother didn’t have any work to do.  My mother moved to my uncle’s homestead and we got some food to eat, some clothes to wear and were feeling better.  My uncle bought me some clothes for a school uniform and I attended primary school.  Some aid was given for orphans.

     When I was in standard four my brother wanted me to get married.  He started to receive bride price.  The man he wanted me to marry was a father already and was older than my uncle. When I saw this I refused and said I was young and wanted to continue my studies.  He continued to argue and I kept quiet and went away.  Each time I saw him until standard seven I didn’t have any hope to continue my education.

     Although my mother really wanted me to continue with education she was not able to help me until my sister Naha came to tell me to continue because she was finding a place for me at Emusoi Centre. I was very happy but didn’t tell my brother that I found a school.

     When I finished standard seven my sister Naha phoned her mother to tell me to come to the road.  I came with my mother and sister, who helped me escape and reach the road.  Naha brought me to Emusoi.  People heard about this and said, ”Let’s see what money she has to study with.  She will need food and school fees.”  My mother was not happy because she was thinking about how her baby could get an education because she didn’t have the money for me to study.

     She started to try and find a scholarship for me until she went to Elisifa who told her not to listen to gossip because people wanted her to lose hope. From that day my mother was happy but my brother really hated my mother and wouldn’t even give food for the children.  Other people gave her some but she stayed without eating.  My brother hated my mother because she helped me escape.  I really thank my sister Naha, because if it was not for her I couldn’t be here at Emusoi.  I am now a student in form three at St. Margaret School.   I am very grateful.