Kasisi are first and foremost our children, but by looking after them, you also look after those who take care of them on a daily basis.

In a home where everyday life has many dimensions – the only possible case when the family is made up of toddlers, babies, preschoolers and schoolchildren, the sisters would not be able to cope and look after an energetic bunch of over 230 children 24/7.  The presence of 46 babysitters – our aunties – is essential for such a bunch of little ones.

They are sometimes really super specialists in their fields. Aunties Chipo and Margaret, who in addition to their normal duties with the toddlers, also work with our pupils in the study rooms every day, helping them with their homework and keeping an eye on their progress. Auntie Peggy, with unlimited patience towards the younger boys and arms held wide, ready to give a hug when needed makes it clear that working with children is her calling. And the wonderful, ever cheerful auntie Spiwe, who lovingly cares for the disabled Nelly, and so many others….

And we try to do everything we can so that our ladies have the best possible conditions and motivation to work. What is still rare in Zambia, they are employed full time, have paid holidays, paid medical care and enjoy all the benefits provided by employment law. Their salaries in the local area are considered to be very good indeed.

We also send some of the ladies to special training courses. This was the case with Spiwe, for example, whom Sister Mariola enrolled on a two-year part-time course in childcare. All of our workers are periodically trained in basic baby and toddler care. It is often the case that after spending a few years with our children, the women begin to understand the importance of education in order to be able to provide quality service to others and decide to study to become teachers or nurses themselves.

It is very important to us that the ladies caring for our children not only work with us, but also develop with us so that, whether they stay with us or not, they leave Kasisi richer than they arrived.

That is why we are so excited to not only look after our children, but also to give the aunties the chance to grow and be active. And maybe you can be persuaded today to support them in the nicest possible way – by funding a training course. Without you all this would really not be possible.

And please spare some warm thoughts for our ladies too. Today in particular for those who will be on night duty with the little ones… They do it for us.