Proud of her job

29-year-old Veronica Tucker is a professional hairdresser. However, due to circumstances beyond her control, she only practices her career at the weekends whilst she engages in a full-time job.

"After I had graduated I took up a job as a hairdresser at one of the saloons in Freetown. I worked for four years but the salary was very small. However, I stayed on the job because I was determined to earn my own money rather than depending on people to take care of my needs," Veronica recalls.

Determined to press on with life, the unforeseeable event struck. The proprietress had to close down her business due to low customer turn out.

"When the saloon closed down, I made up my mind to look for an alternative source of livelihood. I thought that I can continue to be self-reliant by braiding hair in my one bedroom flat. I put my decision into action. Though the money I earned from hairdressing was not much, I was able to survive on," she confirms.

Veronica explains that she relates well with her neighbours and she has made lots of friends. "When I compare the way I was living in the SOS Children's Village I believe that children staying in the SOS Children's Village are fortunate. Outside is survival of the fittest," Veronica admits.

Veronica has a strong conviction that if she continues to apply herself positively, she would climb further up the ladder. This she has demonstrated practically by taking up a full-time job as a saleswoman at a gas station.

Plans for the future

"Before I started this new job, I went through a six-month-training in gas station management. I enjoyed every aspect of the training," she reveals.

As a saleswoman, she handles millions on a daily basis. Her employer describes Veronica as a reliable and honest worker. "So far, I am satisfied with her performance on the job. She correctly accounts for every sales made for the day. She is also punctual at work and she relates well with her colleagues," he attests.

Veronica says hairdressing is a seasonal profession. "You make lots of money when there are special events such as public celebrations and weddings. However, I still love hairdressing that is why I do people's hair during the weekends so as to get extra money."

"My present salary is okay. I can do a lot of things for myself and my four-year-old daughter but I will continue to work hard."

On her wedding plans, she discloses that in the not too distant future her daughter's father will tie the knot. "It's a day I look forward to," she concludes.

SOS Children has been caring for children in Sierra Leone since 1974 and today there are three SOS Children's Villages in the country at Bo, Freetown and Makeni. Over 300 children are cared for at these villages and over 4,600 children and their families are supported through projects such as SOS Social Centres and SOS schools.

If you would like to enable children like Veronica to have a future and grow up with love please sponsor a child.