My name is Joyce Avako and I am the fifth of seven children - three brothers and three sisters. I am thirteen years old and I have never been to school. My parents are not interested in education. That is why they give us away to relatives as babysitters.
My parents have never been to school either, they farm for food and earn a little money selling local brew and other small goods. I know that they are waiting for me to be old enough to marry, so I can bring in the bride price, but I want to go to school and learn to write, count and read.
I have been attending Reflect circle in my village since I first heard about it from the facilitator, who came to our house. I don't hear very well, and in the beginning I didn't like to ask or answer questions, in case I hadn't heard properly. My little sister would come with me and to tell me what people were saying. But now, everyone knows to speak loudly so I can keep up with discussions. Whenever I say anything to the group they all clap their hands, and that makes me feel really good.
I want to be a facilitator, and I am looking forward to further education in a real school. I want to advise all young girls especially those being kept as baby sitters to come out and join circles so that they too may learn to write their names and count numbers as I am now doing. I am looking forward to further studies. I have re-discovered life.
