HADIJA ABDI MAHMED

For nearly five decades, Hadija Halake has called Isiolo home, having moved to the region when she was just seven years old. Over the years, she built her life in the community and raised her family. Now in her later years, Hadija faces the challenges that often come with old age, compounded by limited financial resources and a lack of stable support.

For much of her life, Hadija depended on the strength and support of her family. However, as she grew older, meeting her basic needs became increasingly difficult. Her daughter, Halima Abdi, became one of her main caregivers and has continued to support her despite having challenges of her own. As a single mother of four children without a steady source of income, Halima has struggled to provide for both her children and her elderly mother.

Hadija’s living situation also became a growing concern. She had been living in a vulnerable mud shelter that offered limited protection and security. With her daughter unable to afford better housing while supporting her own household, the family had few options. Concerned about leaving her mother alone in such conditions, Halima temporarily moved Hadija into a single room in her own home, allowing her to remain close to family and receive the care she needed.

Hadija was identified and enrolled in the Mama Ibado Charity program. She now receives a monthly ration package containing four kilograms of wheat, four kilograms of maize meal, cooking oil, tea leaves, sugar, salt and other food essentials. For a household facing financial hardship, this regular assistance provides an important source of food and essential household supplies.

The support extends beyond food. Hadija also receives health monitoring and regular check-ups, helping to ensure that her health needs are identified and followed up as she grows older. For an elderly person with limited resources, access to consistent health support can make an important difference in maintaining her wellbeing. The assistance has brought relief not only to Hadija but also to the family caring for her. Knowing that there is a regular source of food and health support reduces some of the pressure on Halima, who continues to balance caring for her mother with providing for her four children.

While longer-term shelter assistance is still being explored, the support Hadija receives today has given her greater stability and dignity. After spending decades building her life in Isiolo, she is now able to face her later years with the reassurance that she is not entirely alone.