Meet the cover models: January 2013

Elizabeth Nyamweru Ndung’u, 30, and her daughter, Serena Wangari, 9, grace this New Year’s cover. Elizabeth works as a customer care representative at Tononoka Steels Limited in Nairobi. She is also a part time model and has featured in several television advertisements and billboards such as NIC Bank and Wakilisha.

WHAT IS YOUR EXPERIENCE OF PARENTING?

I was shocked when I realised I was pregnant because I was young and pregnancy was the last thing I expected. However, through the help of my godmother, I slowly accepted the pregnancy and embraced it. My godmother guided me through all the steps of pregnancy and birth. Being

a single parent is tough. I was once married but the marriage ended four years ago.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE CHALLENGES YOU FACE AS A SINGLE PARENT?

The greatest challenge is paying bills, but with time I have learnt to work with what I have and ensure that we are comfortable. My daughter is my greatest supporter in this difficult journey. She encourages me when I am down and tells me that things will be better. We have such a strong bond.

DESCRIBE YOUR DAUGHTER

She is very outgoing, creative and active. She is also very responsible and handles household chores with maturityand excellence. Serena loves modeling and sports, and she is an all rounded child as she performs well in academics too. After my marriage failed, the head teacher in her school took her through counselling sessions to build her self-esteem. She was advised to never look down upon herself because she is from a single parent  family, but rather to focus on he dreams. That helped her to cope and she is now at peace with the

situation.

WHAT IS YOUR STYLE OF DISCIPLINE?

I am not a strict mother. I prefer dialogue to spanking and it has worked well for us.

SERENA, WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT YOUR MOTHER?

My mum is my best friend. She takes care of me and guides me in all ways.She pays my school fees, buys me some nice gifts and we often go out together

to have fun. She never forgets my birthdays and she gives me gifts when I perform well in school. I pray for my mother that God may keep her in good

health.

HAVE YOU THOUGHT OF A FUTURE CAREER?

When I grow up, I want to be a doctor.

w@z@z1!!