Kayna

Born in Mayote in 1988, Kayna then moved to the island country of Comoros in the Indian Ocean, just off the coast of South East Africa.

Kayna loved living with her kind Auntie, known as Maman Kayna (mother of Kayna) and remembers how free she felt climbing trees, playing on the sandy beaches and exploring the island with her friends.

It was a huge change when, in 1999, Kayna had to move to Marseille, France’s second largest city, and she really missed the love and stability of her family and friends back home.

Despite her new life in France, Kayna always kept in touch with her beloved auntie, who was always there to listen, encourage and offer wisdom.

In her late teens, Kayna trained as a chef in France and eventually got the opportunity to live and work in London…

Kayna was born in 1988 in Mayotte, a small island in the Indian Ocean, off the South East Coast of Africa. Image used under licence

Kayna loved living with her kind auntie, known as Maman Kayna (mother of Kayna) on the island of Comoros in the late 1980s.

Kayna recalls having to walk 30 minutes to get water for the house but this was always a fun time with Maman Kayna.

Kayna moved from Mayotte to Comoros, (an island country in the Indian Ocean) and loved the freedom there living with her special Auntie known as Maman Kayna (mother of Kayna). Image used under licence

Kayna as a baby in 1989

Kayna often volunteers her time to help others in her community

As a trained chef, Kayna enjoys cooking, especially for other people

Recognising that some people have very little in life, Kayna feels it is so important to be grateful for the things we have

Beauty was never far away on Comoros, and Kayna loved to play on the sandy beaches and pick fresh mangoes and bananas from the trees. Kayna still enjoys nature and regularly volunteers at a local community gardening club.

Kayna reflects on numerous kind people who have had an important influence throughout her life

Kayna has fond memories of how close the community was in Comoros - even people who were not related would be treated like family

Kayna was always very close with her kind and loving auntie Maman Kayna

Kayna remembers missing her family and friends on Comoros when, at the age of 11, she moved to Marseille which is France’s second largest city.

Having trained as a chef in France, Kayna has worked in prestigious establishments including London’s Savoy Hotel.

Photograph of Savoy Hotel by CVB, used under licence

Kayna would love the opportunity to go back and visit her childhood home of Comoros.