Mama Shivan

The journey has not been easy for Mama Shivan (on the left), and there have been some serious challenges that we have walked through with her. Mama was widowed a few months ago, when she first arrived at the centre she was full of complaints, she was angry and was generally argumentative and rebellious. Her poor choices were starting to badly affecting her family and other families at the centre.

We came to the point where we met with her for a ‘make or break’ type meeting where we set clear boundaries for care and conduct. From that point we have started to see real change. She is caring for her children more now and is starting to be more open in mentoring and counselling sessions. She is also starting to process the death of her husband and as a result seems happier and more able to engage in the training and work hard on the plots of land.

Mama Shivan has now returned to her home village and is setting up her own business selling Matoke (steamed bananas). We will continue to support her during her time with us as she deals with the reality of being a widow and as she chooses to raise her children in a positive and encouraging way. We are currently carrying out her re-settlement plan, which includes follow up visits and also working closely with local support systems for her where she lives.