Ibashia Rose Andeka

Rose Andeka was born in Mukulusu area of Kakamega County. She grew up in a household of four children where she was the only girl among three brothers. Her parents struggled immensely with poverty, which meant there were no resources available to send her to school.

Since she never stepped into a classroom, she spent her younger years staying at home assisting with basic chores. This quiet life continued until both of her parents passed away, leaving her to find her own path. Eventually, she moved to Malinya after getting married to start her own family.

Marriage brought its own set of heavy burdens as she gave birth to seven children during their time together. One of her children passed away, leaving her to care for the remaining six in very difficult conditions.

The family currently faces a harsh reality because they do not even have a proper house to call their own. Her grown children are unable to find work and spend their days wandering without any source of income. Her husband is also unable to offer support because he struggles with a drinking problem and wanders away frequently.

Daily survival was a constant battle for Rose as she tried to find a way to put a single meal on the table. She felt stuck in a cycle of lack until she was introduced to the Mama Ibado program by a freind. This meeting changed her outlook as she was finally registered to receive consistent help for her household.

"I used to feel so defeated by the hunger that I thought of running back to my home village, but now I stay because I have food to give my children," She said.

Every month, she is provided with a substantial food basket that includes four bags of flour and a bag of porridge mix. She also receives a kilogram of cooking oil, a kilogram of sugar, salt, and tea leaves to sustain her family. These supplies have acted as a shield against the severe hunger that previously defined her life.

She feels a deep sense of gratitude toward the program for the kindness they have extended to her. She prays that the work continues without any obstacles so that other seniors can also find relief. Her heart is full of appreciation because she no longer has to contemplate leaving her children behind due to desperation.

She still requires this helping hand because the burden of caring for six unemployed children rests entirely on her shoulders. Without a home or a reliable husband, she has no other way to secure the expensive items like oil and sugar. This support is the only thing providing her family with a foundation of dignity and health.