In the Words of Mama Priska

We sat down with Mama Priska to learn more about what it is like to be a House Mama at the Rift Valley Children’s Village. Having been part of our family for over 15 years, check out Mama Priska’s thoughts on parenthood and the lifelong relationships she has built with our 97 children below! 

How did you first learn about Rift Valley Children’s Village?

The Tanzanian Children’s Fund (TCF) had an office manager who traveled to different villages in our area looking for Mamas. I was invited for an interview and I got the job! When I arrived, we were living in Mama India’s old house. Rehema, who is now 16, had just arrived that day, she was only 1-day old. Doctor, Benja, Lucy, Riziki, Jackie, and little India were there too. There were only 9 kids in the beginning. I took care of the young ones: Edina, Yusufu and Rehema.

What is your favorite part about being a mother at RVCV?

I was a Mama in Manyara House when it was home to very young boys and girls. Then I moved to Serengeti House with just boys who are a bit older. I quickly realized that the same qualities I had showed the younger kids, I applied to the older boys. For instance, I knew if I spent time to cook a really good meal for them, they would eat it and enjoy it, and then I could ask them to clean up. I would teach them the importance of helping around the house and respecting elders.

How have you seen the kids grow physically and emotionally?

The girls I took care of as infants and now they are in Secondary School! They have all of these new behaviors they have learned in school and from friends. In some ways it was easier when the children were younger, but only because the more they begin to grow and change, the more I need to adapt. They know me as the strict Mama, but when they do something good, I want to be the first to compliment them.