Growing up in a village in Samburu, Marenya’s family was struck by tragedy when raiding warriors took their livestock—100 goats that had once belonged to her late father. With no male relatives to defend them, Marenya and her mother were left with little. In search of a way to survive, Marenya and her mother began making charcoal, a trade they learned from other women in their community. They would chop down trees, burn them in carefully dug holes, and turn them into charcoal. Despite the hardships, Marenya recalls those days with a sense of humor, saying, “I remember our hair catching fire, and we would laugh about it.” The work wasn’t easy, but it provided enough to get by. However, poverty loomed large, and when Marenya was just 11 years old, her mother, gripped by fear for their future, arranged for her to marry a much older man in exchange for 30 goats. Marenya’s life as a child bride was full of difficulties, balancing the demands of her husband and the charcoal trade. Years passed, and when her husband passed away, Marenya found herself facing a new chapter of life. Now in her latter years, Marenya no longer makes charcoal, but she has found comfort and purpose in other work. She spends her days doing odd jobs like washing clothes and dishes, earning enough to sustain herself. In her free time, Marenya creates beautiful ornaments, making necklaces and bracelets out of beads and wire. “It’s not much, but I push on. Besides, I love doing it, and when I don’t find customers, I wear them myself,” she says with a smile. Thanks to Mama Ibado Charity, Marenya’s life has been made a little easier. The charity’s support ensures she receives food, easing the pressure of daily survival. Marenya is grateful for this help and continues to push forward, finding strength in the love of her craft and the hope of a better future. But there are many others like her who need support, and your kindness can make a real difference in their lives.
