Meet Abigael

Abigael lives with her parents and three siblings in a small compound that has two structures. The larger one has two rooms that contain the sitting area and the bedroom that the parents share with Abigael and her sisters. Her brother sleeps in a neighbour's room as they cannot afford to build one for him. In the sitting room is an old seat that can accommodate three people while the others sit on old jerry cans or on the floor. 

Her father is a casual labourer whose work entirely depends on seasons. During harvest time, he works on farms to harvest maize and clear the fields and in planting season he will be hired to plant. In between the seasons he will do any available jobs so he can feed his family. Her mother takes care of their young twins, but wants to work when they are older. Her eldest brother is in a nearby school and her father's income is directed towards his schooling. Her mother has a few chickens, which give the family eggs. Just outside their house, they have been given some land and they will plant maize to feed the family. They have to treat their water before consumption and use a fire to cook in their kitchen. 

Abigael is curious and cheeky. She wears a smile and has very bold replies. She looks you in the eye and asks questions and expects very clear answers and seeks clarification if she has not understood you. She loves to help her mother although for just a short period of time. After that, she is off to play with her neighbours or by herself. She loves to play house and will make 'food' from mud and sings and dances while she does it. She says that she does not know what she wants to be when she grows up but she cannot wait to meet new friends so that she can teach them her dancing skills.