MARY , 26 YEARS

Dear Host Family, My name is Mary , am 24 years old (female) Kenyan. I currently live in Nairobi and have completed my undergraduate studies in agriculture at the University of Pwani in Kilifi, Kenya. I graduated in April 2022 and I actually come from Nairobi (which is Kenya's largest and capital city). Nairobi city has approximately 4.5 million inhabitants. I come from a family of 4 : My mum, Winfridah who is self employed and run a small grocery shop in Nairobi. I have one sister, one brother and our dog. My youngest sister, Fiona is 14 years old and she is in grade eight while my brother, Charles who is 8 years old is in grade three and they are in the same primary school in Nairobi. In about a year or two I plan to pursue a masters degree, but I am yet to make up my mind concerning my future area of specialization. So, at the moment, I would like to take some time out of academics to have a different life experience and to have time to calmly reflect on my future academic /professional orientation. To this end, I think spending a year abroad would be particularly interesting. My first language is, of course is English and Swahili. I started learning English in kindergarten and primary school. Also, it was language of instruction in the secondary school I attended. I have in addition been taking courses taught in English at University. The reasons why I want to become your next Au Pair in your lovely family is because I enjoy being and spending time with children. I have had the opportunity to learn significantly regarding childcare and household management. I know just what it entails to look after the child(ren) employing compassion, understanding, and patience. Since I am the eldest in the family, my training in providing care to children started at a very early age.Working with people to ensure that they lead a dignified life is now my life's mission. I am comfortable looking after children. Au pair role will help me experience the culture of other countries and learn new languages. Also, I am looking for a family that I will bond with, give my very best and treat them as my own When it comes to child care experience, I have looked after children in informal contexts. Last year I volunteered to work in a children's home in Nairobi, Kenya for six months. Among others, I have worked as a babysitter during holidays to my neighbor's children and provided a free school tuition to children aged between 5 to 13 years. Sometimes, I also organized for them and took part in recreational indoor and outdoor activities : we sang, danced, played games, drew, painted and narrated stories.Also, we visited public library, local animal park, went out on picnics and a camping trip. I have helped my mum /parent to look after my sister and brother since birth. Although looking them was restricted due to being at school/university but during vacations /holiday I always love to look after them. As a teenager, I was nevertheless much more involved in caring for them on daily basis. In addition, my two younger siblings, also spend a lot of time playing with our two nieces and my neighbor's children, so from time to time I find myself in their ever animated company. I can comfortably say that I sincerely enjoy spending time with children. I love to cook ( especially healthy and creative dishes) and am willing to take care everything related to the children.Also,I would describe myself as an open-minded , reliable,helpful and cheerful person. I would be happy to have the opportunity to speak with you to answer whatever questions you may about me or my child care experience ; to learn more about your family ; your interests and to know more about what you expect from the Au pair arrangement. Thank you for taking the time to read my letter and I look forward to hear from you soon. Warmest regards, Mary.