JAEL NANJALA

When Jael Nanajala lost her husband and daughter in a tragic accident, her entire world fell apart in an instant. The grief was unimaginable, the pain of losing two people she loved deeply was compounded by the terrifying reality that she was now alone, solely responsible for raising her 10 children and 5 grandchildren.

Her husband had been the sole breadwinner, the one who carried the financial weight of their household. His sudden death left Jael without an income, without a safety net, and without any idea of how she would care for the 15 lives now looking to her for survival. She had no job, no savings, and no support system. Her daughter, whose life was also taken in the accident, had been helping care for her own children. With both adults gone, the family spiraled deeper into crisis.

Every day became a fight for the basic's food, shelter and clothing. The family often went without meals. Her children and grandchildren would wake up and go to bed hungry, their stomachs empty and aching. Hunger began to take a toll on their health. Some of the children fell ill, unable to eat properly, vomiting due to the emptiness in their bellies. Attending school became impossible. Without food or strength, learning was out of reach. They had no uniforms, no shoes, and barely any clothes. The situation was dire.

Neighbors stepped in where they could, offering old clothes and used shoes for the children, anything to help cover them. But it was never enough. The family also struggled to keep a roof over their heads. With no income, they repeatedly faced eviction due to unpaid rent. The fear of homelessness hung over them constantly.

She did everything in her power to protect and provide, but the weight of it all was overwhelming. Every door seemed closed.

That’s when hope came, quietly and unexpectedly, through a conversation with her aunt. Her aunt told her about Mama Ibado Charity, a local organization known for supporting vulnerable seniors through food and healthcare. At the time, one of the beneficiaries had sadly passed away, opening up an opportunity for a new recipient. Her aunt encouraged her to reach out and see if there was a way forward.

Desperate but hopeful, Jael followed the lead. She approached Mama Ibado Charity and shared her story. Moved by her courage and her overwhelming need, the organization welcomed her in as a new beneficiary. Since that day, Jael’s life has slowly begun to transform.

She now receives monthly food rations from Mama Ibado Charity, which have brought relief and stability into her household. Her children are no longer going to bed hungry. The stress of not knowing where the next meal will come from has lifted, allowing Jael to breathe a little easier. With consistent meals, her children’s health has improved, and they’ve been able to return to school — a milestone Jael once thought was completely out of reach.

She also now has access to healthcare, something she never imagined possible in the chaos of her previous life. She can receive checkups, medication, and treatment  and she knows there is a place she can go where her wellbeing matters.