My name is Peter Mwangi, and I grew up in a children’s home in Nyeri. I lost my parents when I was just six, and with no family support, I found myself in a place I never expected—a children’s home. At first, I felt abandoned, as though life had already decided my path would be one of hardship. There were days I struggled to hold on to hope, wondering if I’d ever have a life beyond survival.
But over time, other kids at the home became my family. I learned early on that my future would be shaped by how hard I worked. The home couldn’t offer luxuries, but it provided something even more valuable- resilience.
I focused on my studies, often waking up to read under the dim light of a shared room. My dedication eventually paid off; I earned a scholarship to a good high school and later joined the University of Nairobi to study Business Administration. This journey wasn’t easy—there were moments of deep self-doubt, especially when I felt I had no one to lean on. But I held on, reminding myself of the sacrifices made by everyone who believed in me.
Today, I run my own business, a dream that once felt out of reach. Each day, I wake up driven by more than just success. I’m motivated to give back to the community that raised me. I return to the children’s home often, sharing my story with the kids there and offering mentorship. I want them to see that their lives don’t have to be defined by their circumstances.
To anyone growing up in a children’s home, I want to say this: we may not have control over our beginnings, but we have the power to shape our future. Success isn’t about where you come from—it’s about how you rise. And if I, a boy from Nyeri with nothing but determination, could build a life of purpose, so can you.
Daraja la Amani 