Oasis believes in understanding the trauma children experienced, caring for them well, and helping them through the healing process. The heroes who do this day in and day out are the Oasis social workers – like Joyce.
Joyce began at Oasis when one child was going to need extra care after surgery. She came just to care for him, carrying him on her back like a swaddled baby while he recovered. She took him to his appointments, saw the day each leg was healed, and rejoiced at his first steps. Joyce not only had a first-row seat to his miracle, but in the meantime, she got to see the miracles of other children around her at the same time. When that child no longer needed 24/7 care, she stayed.
Many of you contributed to recent medical needs for one girl – Joyce is the one who takes those donations and gets her the care she needs. When you get updates on the child you sponsor, Joyce is part of the team getting you that information. The social workers of Oasis are the ones turning your gifts into healing for the children of Oasis!
What is your job title? What does that mean you do?
When I came, I was a houseparent. I had been working with the social workers and learned from them. I was also completing my education while at The Shelter. I did distance education and would read and study on my own. Then I would go to the school to take exams. In December 2018, I transitioned to being a Social Worker.
If a child has a medical issue, I contact doctors and coordinate with them. I build relationships with doctors so I can call them and ask what to do. We have some children who are HIV positive. I coordinate their medicines as well as train the house parents on how to give them their medication.
I do a lot of home visits, especially when the children are home on school breaks. I need to make sure the children are safe and healthy, that they have enough food. That time is very busy. Most kids I visit more than three times on a school break. I really focus on making sure the children are cared for well with their guardians.
I also observe how children are behaving socially. You can see if they are having struggles based on how they are playing with other kids. If they are becoming quieter, shy, or expressing more anger, that points to the trauma they have experienced. This process takes time. I can’t just talk to a child today and then say, “Okay, now be perfect.” No one wakes up and heals from a wound all at once. Therefore, I’m often getting children together to talk through what they are feeling.
It’s important that I document a child’s story, but I also make sure that information is secure so that children are protected. Their stories are safe with me.
What’s your favorite part of your job?
I love meeting one on one with the kids, giving them time and space to express themselves. The children challenge me a lot! I hear their stories and know all they’ve been through, but I also see their smiles and how happy they are. They trust me. Watching them realize that they can trust a person again is beautiful. It’s a privilege that they choose to trust me. I’m thankful I can give them a safe space to cry and release whatever emotion they are having.
From your role, what does Oasis look like to you?
Oasis is an organization that truly cares. I have visited many organizations around Kenya, but Oasis is different. It’s the best education. The rest of the organizations in Kenya only offer primary education or maybe a high school education, but through Oasis they can go to university. It’s the best medical attention. We don’t just take a child to the local hospital. We find them the best doctor to get the proper care. We have many staff members involved in the child’s life. The staff are not just here for money – they have a calling to fulfill here inside God’s Kingdom. Each staff member knows that he or she is serving God through his or her role. I’ve never heard a child regret being at Oasis. They don’t lack attention or care. As an organization, it’s the best place to be for these children.
How has Oasis made an impact on your life?
My life has really changed – positively. In 2007, there was political violence in the country. My family was affected, and we went to the refugee camp for a long period of time. I could see many children suffering; many of them lost their parents. I began to dream that one day I could help children like these. I wanted to see children supported through the grief of what they lost. I saw people come to the camp to encourage us, and I knew I wanted to be a person who does that. Oasis gives me a place to become that person. I have seen many people struggling to have what they need. Now, I get to be the one helping them.
I used to think my story was the worst. Now I see that everyone has their own story – all of us. I have learned to be strong and also to embrace others. Instead of being frustrated at a person’s behavior, I’ve learned to be patient because healing is a process. I am now much more patient with the process of other people.
I have learned to give people a voice – I can help them speak for themselves, or I can be a voice for them and their situation. I am not the same as I was because of these kids. Oasis staff members helped me begin school, go through my own healing, and helped me begin to grow spiritually again. I have become a person who is welcoming and kind and because Oasis is a place where people are welcomed with kindness.
