I have featured the beautiful Laila Laurence on this blog before, where she shared her story on her unexpected journey to motherhood; her surprise pregnancy as a campus student, and the emotions that came along with that –including the disappointment of knowing how much she had let her parents down.
Laila’s story is a must read, and each time I think of her, I think of her as a motivational speaker to school girls in both primary and high school, talking to them about boyfriends, sex, unplanned pregnancy and making responsible choices. If you are a teacher or have a group of young girls that you’d like spoken to, then Laila is your girl. I have shared her contacts at the end of this article. Read her inspirational story here.
I met Laila two years ago, and I’m proud to once again feature her on the blog. She continues to inspire me. 24 year-old Laila recently founded the Touch a Child Though Play initiative, whose main focus is leaving a positive impact in the lives of less fortunate children. She had a chat with Mummy Tales writer Sylvia Wakhisi, who brings us the story of this young mom and lawyer.
Who is Laila?
I am a young ambitious God-fearing lady, and mom to a two-year old son. I hold a Bachelors of Laws degree from the Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA). I recently completed my studies at the Kenya School of Law, and I’m currently doing my pupillage (the final stage of the route to qualification at the Bar, in which the pupil gains practical training under the supervision of an experienced barrister) at Hamilton Harrison & Mathews.
On the Inspiration to Start the ‘Touch a Child Through Play’ Initiative
I derive great pleasure from doing social work. Giving back to society and spending time with those who are less disadvantaged gives me such joy and meaning to life.
I started this initiative because I realized that there are many young people who have the same passion as I do, and who would love to engage in such activities but are unable to since they lack an organized platform. It is for this reason that in December 2014, I started Touch a Child Through Play Initiative; for the youth to have a forum to engage in some bit of social work. Right now we have a membership of about 50 people.
On ‘Touch a Child Through Play’s Activities
At the moment what we do is visit children homes. Our aim is to visit at least one home each month. Some of the homes we have visited so far include: Kwetu Home of Peace situated in Madaraka, House of Charity in Kilimani and New Life in Kangemi.
Since the Initiative is still young, we have so far focused on homes situated in Nairobi but with time, we hope to venture into other parts of Kenya. We have also visited the Langata Women’s prison.
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