Nadia and Aldine’s Story

Nadia* resides in the semi-urban area of Wataalam, Ruiru. She is a guardian to her brother’s children and a mother to one child of her own. Her journey with Macheo began through a friend who was a beneficiary and recognised Nadia’s dire situation.

After her brother became a single parent after separating from his wife, Nadia stepped in to support her niece, who had completed primary school but hadn’t joined secondary school due to a lack of support. Nadia’s brother, whose diagnosis of AIDS drove him dangerously to depression, had fallen into alcoholism, leaving his children vulnerable. Fearing for her niece's future, Nadia took the brave step of taking her in and enrolled her in secondary school by taking out a loan.

However, life quickly became overwhelming. With the added responsibilities of paying school fees for both her son and niece, servicing the loan, and managing rent, Nadia struggled to stay afloat. During a home visit, she opened up about her challenges. At the time, she ran a small hair salon from the same single-room house where she and the children lived.

Through Macheo’s intervention, Nadia’s niece, Aldine*, was supported with secondary school fees, ensuring her retention in school. Additionally, Nadia received support to boost her salon business. With this help, she expanded her services, now selling beauty products and offering nail technician services. 

It was heartwarming to see Aldine, now in her second year of secondary school, taking a considerable amount of her aunt’s clients, not as an apprentice but as an acknowledged professional in the industry. To know that she is earning an income from what she is doing strengthens our belief in a sustainable future for the family.

Nadia has made remarkable progress. She has since moved to her own rented house, while the previous space is now fully serving her clients’ needs. Her hard work, determination, and the support she received have transformed her life. Her smile tells a story of hope and gratitude, and she is deeply thankful for the milestones she has achieved.

*Names are changed to preserve privacy.