Amina Chaika Said

Amina Chaika Saidi was born in 1952 in Vihiga County. She was the eldest child in a family of three siblings. She grew up in a modest household where she eventually became the sole surviving child after her two siblings passed away. Her early life was defined by her role as the firstborn, carrying the hopes of her parents in a challenging environment.

Regarding her education, Amina never had the opportunity to attend school or attain any level of formal learning. She explains that the lack of financial capability within her family made it impossible for her to start or even consider continuing schooling. Consequently, she reached adulthood without the formal skills typically acquired through a classroom setting.

After the time for schooling had passed, she remained at home engaging in various forms of manual labor to support her parents. She spent her younger years assisting with domestic chores and taking on any available work to contribute to the household's survival. This period of her life was characterized by hard work and the preparation for the heavy responsibilities of adulthood.

Amina eventually entered marriage and was blessed with nine children, though only six survived the hardships of their upbringing. Life became significantly more difficult after her husband passed away in 1988, forcing her to work in the scorching sun selling vegetables and fish at the market. There were many days when finding enough food was a struggle, and her family often faced the reality of going hungry while she tried to raise her children alone.

"In the past, my life was a constant battle against the elements at the market just to earn a few shillings for a single meal," says Saidi.

Her breakthrough came when a friend and local elders from the Makaburini area directed her toward the Mama Ibado organization. Although she was initially told she had not yet reached the required age for the program, her name remained in their records until she was eventually called to receive assistance. Through this program, she now receives essential supplies such as rice, flour, oil, sugar, milk, and porridge flour which helps her sustain her grandchildren.

Life has changed significantly since she joined the program because she no longer suffers from the constant stress of food insecurity. In addition to the nutritional support, she benefits greatly from the health program where she visits the clinic every Thursday for regular medical check-ups. This medical attention has provided her with the physical stability she lacked during her many years of strenuous manual labor.

"Being part of this program has replaced my daily anxiety with a sense of security and health that allows me to care for my grandchildren with peace of mind," notes Saidi.

Amina still requires ongoing help because she continues to support her five daughters and several grandchildren while facing the limitations of old age. The recent death of her son has added a significant emotional and financial burden to her life. Continued assistance is vital to ensure she can maintain her health and provide a basic level of stability for her remaining family members.