Background: As part of the Education and Social Justice fellowship project, undergraduate student Khaliyah Legette interviewed Bernard Mwololo, assistant manager of Nyumbani’s Lea Toto program, in Nairobi, Kenya. In this interview, conducted in June 2016, Mwololo discusses the importance of his Catholic education and of Nyumbani, a Catholic nonprofit based in Kenya.
Could you please start by stating your name and what year you graduated from Nyumbani?
I’m Benard Mwololo, I graduated in 2011 from Nyumbani.
What are you currently doing now?
Now I am working with a manager of one of Nyumbani’s programs, Lea Toto.
How would you say Catholic education has shaped who you are as a person today?
Catholic education has really helped me to come to spiritual growth, and also building my character. And it has helped me to have those good morals, like I have faith in God, trust in God, and also how to interact with the community. And also, it has given me hope for life.
What were some of the most challenging parts of growing up here?
One of the most challenging parts was living with people who were not related to me, so that’s a very big challenge. And also getting used to new people, a new culture, new communities. And not having one person to run to: I have a lot of people to run to, which has been so confusing. What do I do, who should I go to? But here we are provided with everything: food, school, clothing and all that.
What were some of the most enjoyable parts about living here?
One, finishing my education, which is a very big achievement. Also, going for outings. It was also enjoyable to play with the children here, and to love people: the staff are very loving, so they make you feel like you are home.
In what ways would you say the mums, uncles, and staff supported you during your time here?
The mums made you really believe that now, they are your mothers and your uncles and your dads. And they showed me that love, parental love. So, when I have stress and I had somebody to run to, so it made my life easier. And they are willing to be there for you to fill that gap, when you feel that you don’t have somebody, they made me feel at home.
How did Nyumbani help you transition into life after graduation?
Nyumbani, through the morals we are taught, I found that they have prepared me for life outside. They have provided me with life skills here. For me, at least I got a job with Nyumbani and that was really helpful, it was an easy, smooth road for me me to live alone and be alone.
What is the biggest change you have seen in yourself over time here?
The biggest change is accepting myself and my status. Accepting that I have a life to live and I can do whatever I want with my life. I can dream big, and I can accomplish those dreams.
If you could go back in time and give your primary-age self one piece of advice, what would you say?
I would tell myself to take the opportunities. Network, read ahead in education, and use the resources which are available to make life easier.
I’m Benard Mwololo, I graduated in 2011 from Nyumbani.
What are you currently doing now?
Now I am working with a manager of one of Nyumbani’s programs, Lea Toto.
How would you say Catholic education has shaped who you are as a person today?
Catholic education has really helped me to come to spiritual growth, and also building my character. And it has helped me to have those good morals, like I have faith in God, trust in God, and also how to interact with the community. And also, it has given me hope for life.
What were some of the most challenging parts of growing up here?
One of the most challenging parts was living with people who were not related to me, so that’s a very big challenge. And also getting used to new people, a new culture, new communities. And not having one person to run to: I have a lot of people to run to, which has been so confusing. What do I do, who should I go to? But here we are provided with everything: food, school, clothing and all that.
What were some of the most enjoyable parts about living here?
One, finishing my education, which is a very big achievement. Also, going for outings. It was also enjoyable to play with the children here, and to love people: the staff are very loving, so they make you feel like you are home.
In what ways would you say the mums, uncles, and staff supported you during your time here?
The mums made you really believe that now, they are your mothers and your uncles and your dads. And they showed me that love, parental love. So, when I have stress and I had somebody to run to, so it made my life easier. And they are willing to be there for you to fill that gap, when you feel that you don’t have somebody, they made me feel at home.
How did Nyumbani help you transition into life after graduation?
Nyumbani, through the morals we are taught, I found that they have prepared me for life outside. They have provided me with life skills here. For me, at least I got a job with Nyumbani and that was really helpful, it was an easy, smooth road for me me to live alone and be alone.
What is the biggest change you have seen in yourself over time here?
The biggest change is accepting myself and my status. Accepting that I have a life to live and I can do whatever I want with my life. I can dream big, and I can accomplish those dreams.
If you could go back in time and give your primary-age self one piece of advice, what would you say?
I would tell myself to take the opportunities. Network, read ahead in education, and use the resources which are available to make life easier.
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