Khadija Hersi

Khadija Hersi carries a lifetime of resilience etched into her every step. Born in 1954 in Nyeri County, poverty shaped her childhood. Hoping for a better future, her family moved to Isiolo, where she dreamed of education. But dreams, like many things in her life, were cut short—she left school after class six when her family could no longer afford it.
At just 15, she was married, and soon, she held the title of both wife and mother. She gave birth to four children, but tragedy struck when she lost two of them. With her husband unemployed, Khadija became the backbone of her family, working tirelessly at a child welfare organization, caring for orphans while struggling to provide for her own.
Life was tough, but she found joy in the little things—until fate took another cruel turn. Her husband fell ill and passed away suddenly, leaving her alone to bear the weight of survival. With no steady income, she turned to selling groceries and charcoal, fighting to keep her family afloat. But when her small business failed, she was left with nothing but uncertainty.
The years wore on, and so did her body. Arthritis and ulcers made even the simplest tasks painful. Rent became an unbearable burden, and she relied on the kindness of neighbors just to get by.
Mama Ibado Charity extended a helping hand, enrolling Khadija in their program. Monthly food rations and medicine brought her relief, easing some of the worries that had weighed on her for decades.

Today, she still resides in a modest wooden home, her struggles far from over. But with the support she now receives, Khadija no longer walks this path alone.