Life in Farida’s house is never dull, especially since her nephew, Jamil, moved in.
“He is truly a comedian,” Farida says with a smile. “He can make the whole family burst into laughter.”
At 14 years old, Jamil has brought joy and energy into the household. But his journey home was not an easy one. After spending his childhood in an SOS Children’s Village in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, he was reunited with his biological family two years ago.
“I am so glad he lives with us now,” says Farida. “I feel like his mother, as if I gave birth to him myself. He calls me ‘Mom’, and it brings me so much joy.”
A difficult start
Jamil never knew his mother, she passed away during childbirth. His family, already struggling financially, found it difficult to provide for him.
“He became so thin. He was just skin and bones,” recalls Farida.
At just one year old, Jamil was placed in an orphanage, where he lived until he turned four, when he moved to the SOS Children’s Village in Dar es Salaam for a more stable life.
While living there, the trauma from his early experiences sometimes came out as frustration and anger, but with support from an SOS Children’s Villages psychologist, Jamil learned to understand his emotions and set healthy boundaries.
Finding his way back
SOS Children’s Villages believes children should stay connected to their roots wherever possible. In Jamil’s case, our social workers traced his biological relatives and found his aunt, uncle, and grandmother.
When Jamil was 11, he was asked if he wanted to visit his family. He immediately said yes. From then on, he spent school holidays in Mkuranga, forming bonds with his relatives.
Before he could move home permanently, SOS Children’s Villages ensured his family was ready. His uncle had secured stable work as a driver, making it possible to support him.
“Jamil stayed with the family during the 2022 Christmas holiday, and when it was over, we asked him if he was ready to move back home permanently. He didn’t hesitate to say yes,” says Godson Tony, an SOS Children’s Villages staff member in Tanzania.
A new chapter
Since moving home, Jamil has fully settled into life with his family.
“I feel so happy when I see the children playing together. Now, we are one big family,” says 72-year-old Tausi, his grandmother.
“I can feel that my family cares about me. That’s why I’ve been so happy since I moved here.” says Jamil.
Jamil especially enjoys playing football with his 9-year-old cousin.
Looking ahead
Although he no longer lives in the Dar es Salaam Village, Jamil is still supported by SOS Children’s Villages at every step. His school fees, materials, and health insurance are provided for, and social workers continue to check in on him regularly. Jamil’s story is one of resilience, love, and finding a place to call home.
What is reintegration?
The process that Jamil went through to reunite with his biological family is known as “Reintegration”. This is when we help children return to their families after being in an alternative care setting, such as an SOS Children’s Village or in foster care.
This makes sure they grow up in a safe and loving environment, and that we can continue to provide support to children and their families as they build their future together.