Staff Profile: Sophie Mkawasi Kitonga, Transition Home Manager
Sophie conducting an interview as part of case management work
Name: Sophie Mkawasi Kitonga
Current Role: Manager, Transition Home
Age: 36
Years Involved with Simama: 9 years
Hometown: Nairobi, Kenya
How did you first become involved with the Simama Project?
I first learned about the Simama Project when I applied for the social worker/ counselor job position. Fortunately, I did well enough on my interview and started working as a social worker and counselor for Simama Programs in March 2017.
What is your current role at Simama?
My background is in Social work and Counseling Psychology from the University of Nairobi. As the Manager of the Transition Home, I manage child care and protection cases through case work and case management in collaboration with the National Government, Ministry of Labour and Social Protection - State department of Children Service Offices. I am also responsible for supervising 4 caregivers, an in-house counselor, and a team of staff and volunteer social workers at the Simama Transition Home. The transition home is a safe shelter for vulnerable children who have been exposed to risks such as abandonment and neglect, street life, abuse, conflict with the law, or early marriage and female genital mutilation (FGM).
What is your favorite thing about working with the Simama Project?
I love working for the Simama Project because it is a special, unique organization with various impactful child welfare programs that really help the children of Nanyuki. I enjoy these experiences and the opportunity to apply my training and stand out on an exceptional level. I love working with my colleagues both staff members, interns and volunteers.
From your perspective, what is the most interesting or challenging aspect of the type of work that Simama does?
The most interesting aspect of the type of work that Simama does is to serve vulnerable children and their families through a holistic approach model. This approach aligns so profoundly with my call and passion. Case work has many challenges such as dependency or lack of co-operation from some family members and I enjoy addressing these challenges, growing positively, and being able to implement different interventions for different cases.
What do you like to do in your free time?
During my free time I read inspirational books, I listen to inspirational podcasts and gospel music, and I love cooking chapattis (layered flatbread)!
What is your favorite piece of Art? (painting, book, movie, TV show, play, dance, song, sculpture, etc.)
I enjoy many types of art. My favorite book is From Broken to Bold by April Adkins and my favorite song is ‘Holy Forever’ by CeCe Winans.
