Achieng’s Story

Joel is a joyful little boy whose very survival is a testament to resilience. He was born five months early due to complications during his mother’s pregnancy. For the remainder of what should have been his time in the womb, Joel was kept in an incubator, a period that brought immense emotional and financial strain to his parents.

Tragically, just one month before Joel was due to be discharged, his father was murdered by thugs. The loss was devastating. With no time to grieve or process the tragedy, Joel’s mother, Achieng, found herself suddenly alone—raising not only a medically fragile infant but her six-year-old daughter, Lily as well.

After Joel came home, Achieng's worries deepened. Despite her best efforts, he began to lose weight rapidly. He had already been discharged underweight, and now his condition was deteriorating. Achieng knew the problem: her income was simply too limited to meet the complex nutritional needs of her premature son. She was doing everything she could—working tirelessly, sacrificing sleep, making impossible choices—but it still wasn’t enough.

Joel was readmitted to the hospital, and that’s when, with Kipawa’s support, Macheo stepped in. Working closely with Achieng, their team of nutritionists developed a tailored nutritional plan and facilitated regular visits to a paediatrician. Slowly but surely, Joel began to recover. He was moved out of the danger zone.

But challenges persisted. With Achieng unemployed, the burden of survival remained heavy. Lily, who had just started school, was forced to drop out due to financial constraints. She eventually had to repeat a class. Thanks to Macheo’s continued support, Lily is now back in school—and thriving.

Meanwhile, Achieng has started a small business selling fish, sardines, and dried fruits. It’s a modest venture, but one rooted in determination and love.

Through every hardship, Achieng has shown extraordinary strength. Her resilience—fueled by love for her children—has carried them through unimaginable trials.

We believe in Achieng. We believe in mothers like her, who rise every day against the odds. And we will continue to stand beside her as she builds a brighter future for Lily and Joel.