TOBIAS AND A MOTHER’S ZEAL

  Tobias’ mother, Pamela is a woman who is bearing a huge burden in bringing up her children in the absence of her husband after they separated.  She is a single parent at only 35 and with five children! “A mother’s love is the fuel that enables a normal human being to do the impossible“.

Tobias Otieno says,” I went to the streets to look for money because I didn’t want to sit here and see my mother struggling”.  But life on streets didn’t deliver his dream.  Tobias’ mother, Pamela is also partially disabled.  Tobias introduced us to her when we rescued him towards the end of 2013.  Tobias and his 8 year old sister could not go to school till January 2014 due his family’s dire economic situation.

 As Pamela shared with us about her humble background and family’s history we began exploring with her the way forward.  She had an idea of starting a small business of selling potato chips next to her house in Manyatta slum. We encouraged her to start saving few shillings every week to enable her to buy a two kilogram container of potatoes and then start her business. When we visited the family recently, we were encouraged to find her doing the business she had proposed and had managed to send Tobias and his sister, Lillian to school.

 After school and during the weekends, 12 year old Tobias has taken the responsibility of helping his mother at her small business of cooking chips and selling them for a few shillings along the streets of Manyatta slum in Kisumu. 

 Though Tobias and his mother work hard, they are still unable to meet their basic needs, and only make enough for one day at a time. Pamela’s desire is to expand her small business. She needs capital and business skills which we believe will enable her to improve her economic situation. 

A one off gift of Kshs 10,000 (£100) can boost Pamela’s business by buying tools of trade for her transport to the market. You walk alongside this family for six months by providing basic needs as Pamela builds her business. 

With £1,000 (Kshs.120,000) we can move this family and 9 other families from poverty to purpose as we boost their income. 12 year old Tobias is standing with his mother to work towards their dreams.  “A mother’s love is the fuel that enables a normal human being to do the impossible“.  Your partnership is greatly appreciated.