Simon Ebongoni’s infectious smile tells a story of resilience, heartbreak, and eventual renewal. Born in Isiolo, Simon married in 1979, hoping to build a family. The early joy of marriage soon gave way to harsh realities as his job on a settler’s farm in Nanyuki paid a meager Ksh. 450 (CAD 5) monthly. In 1980, Simon quit and returned to Isiolo to farm beans and green grams, relying solely on rainwater for irrigation. While farming sustained his food needs, Simon needed cash for other essentials. He began cutting trees in the local forest, converting them into firewood or charcoal to sell. "We were stealing from the government since the forest belonged to them," he recalls with a mischievous smile. After 13 years of marriage, Simon’s life took a sharp turn when his wife became pregnant with another man’s child. Heartbroken, he divorced her, and she left for Marsabit County with the child’s father. Alone, Simon turned to cooking as a coping mechanism, mastering every dish except spaghetti, as he humorously notes. However, loneliness and sorrow led him down a path of substance abuse. Simon developed a dependency on miraa, alcohol, and tobacco, which eventually cost him his teeth. Age further robbed him of his hearing and vision, earning him nicknames like “deaf” and “blind” in the community. Life began to change for Simon through the intervention of Mama Ibado Charity (MIC). The seniors’ feeding program provided him with consistent, nutritious meals, reducing his dependence on stimulants and restoring his health. Additionally, access to healthcare through MIC has improved his quality of life, helping manage his ailments and giving him the strength to engage with his community. Simon now spends his days as part of a council of elders resolving communal disputes. With the support of MIC, he has found a renewed sense of purpose and dignity. Reflecting on his past, Simon says, “Sometimes I wish I raised the child she conceived, but time has passed.” You can support seniors like Simon by partnering with Mama Ibado Charity. Your contributions help provide food, healthcare, and hope to those who need it most.
