Desirée’s story:

We often say that Mwana is “not your typical orphanage.” Catch a glimpse of one of our beach outings, and you’ll see why.

Beach days are the best days. Our mamas turn the sand into an arena for races, relays, sandcastle competitions and all kinds of games they invent along the way. There is plenty of free time, too—time for the children to explore, splash in the water, chase one another down the beach and simply play.

And that last part matters more than it may seem.

We never take these moments for granted. The freedom to play is a gift that many children who carry the title “orphan” may never experience. Play requires something profound: a child must feel safe enough to let go. Stable enough to be silly. Secure enough in their relationships with their caregivers and siblings to explore, knowing they have a place to return to. Protected enough from fear and uncertainty to become completely absorbed in the moment.

In these moments, the light of a childhood restored shines. A childhood in which each is free to play.