About Nasio

Nasiru's house. He lives with about 8 others, including F.A. (Photo July 2008)

Nasiru’s cheeky little smile sums up his character completely. While being one of the more reserved children in Auntie F.A’s compound, Nasiru is full of energy and always wanting to play, dance and have fun. He made his mark on me on the first time I was able to remember his name (…bearing in mind there are lots of children’s names to remember!!), a very shocked Nasiru immediately bounded away to some of the others informing them all that ‘lawra sabi mi nem!’ It’s amazing how such a small thing can have a huge effect!

I quickly came into the habit of leaving my house at least 15 minutes before necessary to ensure I had enough time to greet all my neighbours and have a little play with the children. Nasiru was quick to show me how to ‘bind’ – the touching of our clenched fists. This became our secret handshake, which he took great pride in, adding new additions to it as often as any of the others copied what we were doing. It seemed important to him to have a connection with me that wasn’t shared with all the other children.

On the front steps of Saffy's house with his "brothers" and "sisters". Ibrahim sports a white chalk mask to keep him cool. Nasiru's in the back row. (Photo Aug 2008)

Nasiru often comments that he doesn’t have any friends, almost oblivious to the fact that he is actually surrounded by other children in the compound. Auntie F.A’s family is huge; there are Aunties, Uncles, Brothers, Sisters and Cousins appearing all the time! Of course this means that there are plenty of children coming and going too. I’m not sure I’ve ever met someone as selfless as Auntie F.A. She doesn’t have much, but cares for and supports so many people, Nasiru being no exception. All the Aunties in the compound ensure that Nasiru has everything he needs. He shares a 7ft by 25ft pan-body shack with Auntie F.A and eight other family members. I can’t actually imagine where they all find space to sleep, but you’ll never hear anybody complain. 

Nasiru and Joshua on the front cement block of their house. This is where a lot of action takes place - Eating, dancing, etc (Photo April 2008)

He takes maths and English lessons whenever Auntie F.A can afford it and partakes in the everyday chores. There is plenty of time for all the children to laugh and play. Football is a favourite! A deflated football is always being kicked around! It's amazing how creative people are here. The boys take great delight in dragging around their toy cars, made of empty sardine tins and bottle caps on a piece of string!

Nasiru instantly warmed to Jason (or J.C as all the children call him) when he arrived. The first thing he would ask me when I saw him would always be ‘where’s J.C?’ claiming him as his best friend. It got to the stage when the sound of Jason’s motorbike arriving home would bring children charging to the front of our house from every corner of the compound! Nasiru took great delight in trying on his helmet…every day!

The two of them would sit on a rock under the mango tree and chat away; a beautiful combination of Krio and English! It didn’t seem to matter that both parties often didn’t really understand what the other was saying!

Laura