SAHARA IGE DUBAD

Born and raised in Isiolo, Sarah Ige’s life took on adult responsibilities at a young age. She was married while still in primary school and soon found herself raising a family of her own. Over the years, Sarah became a mother to eight children, carrying the responsibility of providing for them through circumstances that would repeatedly test her strength.

Sarah’s journey has been marked by profound loss. Her husband, who worked transporting khat, tragically lost his life in a road accident at Nithi Bridge. His death left Sarah to shoulder the responsibility of raising their children and providing for the household on her own. As she navigated life as a single mother, Sarah also took in her ageing mother and cared for her until her passing. Not long afterwards, she lost her brother to kidney failure. For Sarah, these losses meant not only the pain of losing the people closest to her, but also the disappearance of much of the family support she had relied upon.

Today, Sarah remains the primary caregiver and provider for her eight children. One of her children lives with a severe mental health condition and requires constant care and attention, adding another layer of responsibility to an already demanding household. Despite having no reliable source of income, Sarah continues to do everything she can to keep her children in school and meet their everyday needs. She works to ensure they have the books, stationery, and personal hygiene items they need to continue their education and maintain their dignity.

Sarah is also managing her own health challenges. She lives with diabetes and requires regular monthly clinic visits and ongoing treatment. With limited financial resources, meeting the costs associated with her healthcare while providing for a large family places considerable pressure on her.

Through the support of Mama Ibado Foundation, Sarah now receives essential medical assistance and monthly nutritional food packages. The support helps ease some of the pressure on her household, providing food for her family while helping her access the medical care she needs. However, Sarah’s challenges do not end there. Her family continues to live in a deteriorating home that requires urgent repairs. For a mother already carrying the responsibility of caring for eight children and managing her own health, the condition of their home remains a significant concern.

Yet through years of loss, responsibility, and uncertainty, Sarah continues to hold on to her faith. She remains grateful for the support she has received and determined to give her children opportunities for a better future.