Ismael Yassin Yussuf

Born in 1961 in Isiolo North, Ismael Yassin’s life has been shaped by resilience and determination. The second-born of six siblings, he grew up in a challenging environment but remained committed to his education. He completed his Certificate of Primary Education (CPE) in 1977 and proceeded to secondary school. However, financial difficulties forced him to drop out in Form Two.
Unwilling to let his circumstances define him, Ismael sought a trade and studied mechanical engineering. Determined to secure a future for himself, he took a job as a driver in Somalia. But just as he began to find stability, war broke out, forcing him to return to Isiolo and start over.

In 1994, while traveling through Mombasa in search of work, Ismael met the love of his life, and they soon married. Together, they were blessed with six children—four girls and two boys. But tragedy followed. Two of their children passed away, and soon after, the family relocated to Isiolo following the birth of their first child.

To provide for his family, Ismael took a job as a personal driver. For two years, he worked tirelessly, but a salary dispute with his employer forced him to resign. Struggling to make ends meet, he turned to casual labor, taking whatever work, he could find. Just when life seemed unbearable, another devastating loss struck—his wife was diagnosed with stomach cancer and passed away.
Left alone to raise his children, Ismael never remarried. He devoted himself entirely to them, ensuring they had a roof over their heads despite his limited means. But as they grew, none were able to secure employment, leaving him without support in his later years.
Now, as age and hardship weigh on him, Ismael has found relief through Mama Ibado Charity, where he has been receiving assistance for the past year and a half. Though life has tested him at every turn, his unwavering dedication to his family remains his greatest legacy.