Becky together with other kids at Kibera tennis court. |
Children from Kibera
really enjoy coming to the court. They call it `Ng'ambo’ This is their play space
away from the packed densely populated Gatwekera, full of waste products
disposed everywhere.
Becky
is one of the children who came to the court. She comes along with her older
brothers, who enjoy playing here. Becky was a very shy girl when she started
coming to the court with the brothers. She used to sit at the far end corner of
the field shyly waiting for the brother to finish playing. She quietly played
alone and looked away whenever anyone tried to draw her attention, or looked at
her. She would not responded to any friendly gestures and used to cry whenever
anyone provoked her.
As days went by, she
slowly changed her waiting position and began sitting close to the playground.
She also gradually began to smile at others and responded to questions asked to
her, she also agreed to participate in playing with the rest though for a short
time, and was easily irritated by other.
Becky participating in the tennis sessions. |
However this has
changed as nowadays she joins all the rest of the children in playing. She
smiles and laughs loudly and engages others very well. She never fails to show
up during practice even when she is alone. “She has learnt how to play tennis
and is one of my best under 6 tennis players. She is also currently able to
defend herself and speak up for herself too. A bright and bubbly girl she is
today, I love her smile and is proud of her as her coach” says Joy Akim who has
seen her grow.
It is here that we see real
flowers blossom and shine so bright to showcase their beauty and potential. Right
in front of our eyes at the Kibera Tennis Court the safe play space for
children.
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