Born in Garba Tula, Isiolo South, Fatuma’s life has been defined by hardship and resilience. She was one of seven siblings, but all have since passed away. Tragedy struck early—she lost her mother while still very young, leaving her in the care of her father, the family’s sole provider. However, with limited means, he was unable to send her to school.Seeking a better future for her, relatives took Fatuma in, but instead of offering her care, they exploited her as a domestic worker. At just 13 years old, she was forced into marriage, and soon after, she became a mother to seven children. Together with her husband, they worked as livestock herders, doing everything they could to provide for their growing family.But fate was unkind. After years of hard work, Fatuma’s husband fell ill and passed away after a short illness, leaving her alone to support their children. Despite the struggles, she did everything she could to ensure her family survived. However, she suffered yet another heartbreak when two of her children died. The remaining children went on to live their own lives, except for her eldest daughter, who is mentally ill and remains under her care.As age and illness caught up with her, Fatuma could no longer handle the physically demanding work of herding livestock. Determined to keep going, she turned to selling small groceries, walking from village to village to ensure her family did not go hungry. But with her health deteriorating, even this became a struggle.It was during these desperate times that Mama Fatuma learned about Mama Ibado Charity (MIC). Recognizing her vulnerability, she was enrolled in the seniors’ feeding program, finally receiving the food and support she had long needed.
