Fatuma Hussein’s journey began in the quiet village of Eldera in Marsabit County, where she was born and raised. She later moved to Merti in Isiolo County after getting married, ready to build a life with her husband. But her plans were cut short when her husband passed away, leaving her widowed and solely responsible for their children. Left to care for her children alone, she made the difficult decision to move once again, this time to Isiolo town in hopes of finding a fresh start. But instead of stability, she was met with deep uncertainty. Upon arrival in Isiolo, Fatuma had no home, no support system, and no reliable source of income. She and her children faced intense food insecurity, often going days without anything to eat. The isolation of being new in a town where she didn’t know anyone made it nearly impossible to ask for help. As her health declined, the burden of caring for her family with no resources became heavier. She experienced periods of extreme vulnerability, sometimes falling ill with no one to care for her, while her children sat quietly by her side. With no one to turn to, she attempted to buy food on credit from local shops, but her requests were often denied. The weight of daily survival became overwhelming. Over time, her situation improved through the support of Mama Ibado Charity. Today, Fatuma is a beneficiary of the Senior Citizen Feeding Program. Through consistent monthly food packages, she is able to meet the most basic needs of her household with dignity. Her family no longer endures long stretches of hunger, and she is now able to focus on caring for herself and her children without the constant fear of lacking food. Fatuma’s life has transformed. With her children now grown and with regular access to food, her daily reality is no longer defined by crisis. She only needs to source vegetables occasionally, as the food she receives covers much of what her household needs.
