When I first entered Kasisi’s Children’s Home I was surprised to find everything so clean and calm. While the first impression proved right during my stay of three months, the second one wouldn’t last long. (The truth is, that I arrived in the rest hour after lunch). Kasisi isn’t a quiet or calm place - to the contrary: it is full of life and happiness.

In the beginning I felt a bit shy and didn’t know what to do or how to react. After a few days, however, I felt at home, the children and Sisters gave me the feeling of being part of their big family.
 

Before I came to Zambia and the orphanage I couldn’t imagine the place I was going to live for the next three months. I had hardly ever heard of Zambia before and the image of an orphanage in Africa often comes along with the picture of starving children. I was surprised to find this lovely atmosphere and to see the children playing happily or singing while doing their duties. This made me feel grateful for this place.
 

From the smallest babies to the oldest children – they all soon found a place in my heart. What can be more touching than 20 children of the ages 1 to 2, greeting you with “Esther, bwela!” (“Esther, come!”)?
 

Even though the children are really gentle and joyful, they are children and of course there are conflicts and fights from time to time but I’ve never seen them parting without saying “Sorry” in the end.

In fact, I was amazed to see how the children live together. It begins with the babies and little children, who play together peacefully and eat their porridge with the help of older children and mummies without complaining. Also older children help each other if there is the need, no matter if it is homework, duties or just somebody to talk to or listen.
 

During my stay at Kasisi I gave lessons in piano, English, art, geography and everything else that can be useful in future life but in the end I have the feeling that it is me who learnt the most and I’m sure Kasisi will always have a special place in my heart.
 

Esther