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“I want to do my azonto azonto azonto
Now watch me do my azonto azonto azonto”[/caption]The lyrics from the popular song “Azonto” crashed through the eduKenya office window from the Mawewa School playground. The source was Isaac, a boisterous and swaggering 7 year old, nicknamed “Azonto” for the song. Azonto joined the Mawewa School in January 2014 and ruled the strip of playground within a week. He quickly became known for entertaining the children with his antics, unfairly meting out punishment to those smaller, and just being so present he could not be ignored.Azonto’s teacher, Esther Mwangi, had a challenge controlling him in and out of class, but worked diligently to transform him without crushing his sanguine spirit. Mrs. Mwangi encouraged the other children to interact with Azonto, be kind, and model good behavior. She tutored Azonto with his studies, showing patience and love.Incorrigible as he seemed, Azonto was zealous for God. Seeing this, Mrs. Mwangi fostered his love for God and singing to help him with a slow speech development. She urged Azonto to sing songs of praise during daily devotion. His behavior, speech, and grades improved rapidly and Azonto soon became a treasured presence within the Kwa Watoto School walls.Azonto lives in a one-room shack in Jangwani with his mother, Mama Isaac, and his grandmother and aunt live nearby. The grandmother and aunts abuse alcohol, and because he spent much of his early life in their presence, their drunken antics manifested in Azonto’s unruly, bullying behavior. Mama Issac stands out in this family because she is sober, hard working and responsible. She operates a roadside vegetable kiosk, using the earnings to feed, clothe and educate Isaac. So, the staff was perplexed when, without explanation, Azonto did not return for the third school term of 2014.Mama Isaac owns goats, which are like savings in the bank in Kenya. When her upcountry relative tired of caring for the goats, Mama Isaac had no choice but to leave Mathare promptly and look after her investment. Her mother and sisters could not be trusted with the care of Azonto, so she took him with her. While upcountry, Mama Isaac did not want Azonto’s education to suffer, so with great sacrifice to herself, she enrolled him in a local school. After three months, a grateful and more mature Azonto returned to Mawewa School and renewed his place as beloved king of the playground.Mawewa School is a center of hope and transformation for Azonto and other children like him. We are committed to providing multiple opportunities and resources for the students. Our goal is that one day they might break the chronic cycle of poverty, live a full life in God, and enrich their community.