IF Anthony Mwangi hadn't been placed in Nanyuki Children's Home, he would probably be looking after his grandmother's goats.

But the 18-year-old is now waiting to go to university and hopes to become a psychologist.

Anthony has lived at the home for 10 years since his unmarried mother died.

He and his three brothers went to live with his grandmother, about 15 miles from Nanyuki.

"She couldn't cope as she had many others to take care of," said Anthony.

"Me and my three brothers came here. I can remember thinking this was a hospital. It was a very new environment being in a town.

"It was so strange; I knew nobody. I was afraid, but in time, I grew to be absorbed in this place.

"I'm now waiting to hear from the university to see what course I'll be taking. I wanted to do medicine, but my grades weren't that good. Now I want to do psychology.

"Being here has changed my life. High school was a challenge for me. It's made me a bit mature.

"If I'd stayed with my grandmother, I'd be working on her farm looking after the goats and cows.

"The Army has really made a difference, not only to me, but to the other kids."