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From Grass to Grace – Success Story

From Grass to Grace - Success Story

Mrs. Bosede Rotimi, is a 35years-old physically challenged (crippled), widow and caregiver in Agbado community in Gboyin local government area of Ekiti State in South-West of Nigeria. In her pathetic condition, living in a dilapidated building made with waste planks and openings everywhere endangering herself as well as the 2 vulnerable children Ola, 9yrs, and Muyiwa, 16yrs under her care to frequent malaria fever, attacks from dangerous reptiles like snakes, scorpions and harsh weather conditions during dry and raining seasons.

The baseline Mid Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC) and weight scale revealed that the children have severely acute malnutrition (SAM) and they miss school often due to frequent illness with no access to medical services except for the local herbs (Agbo). Bosede and her children sometimes sleep hungry due to the low economic status. She sells pepper at a very low scale with a profit of about N60 (<$1.00) per day to fend for herself and her children.

In 2011, Ola and Muyiwa were enrolled by Kids & Teens Resource Centre (K&TRC) and community volunteers (CVs) in Agbado on the USAID funded REACH project. Considering her impoverished condition, the dilapidated shelter was improved with resources mobilized from the community, K&TRC and the REACH Project. She was also supported with #30,000 ($200) and a wheel-chair by Gboyin local government to enhance her petty trade following advocacy by community volunteers and K&TRC to the authority.

As a caregiver, Mrs. Rotimi was trained on locally available nutritious food, its preparation and storage, health care and psychosocial support. She is also a member of the Village Savings and Loans Association (VSLA) organized by Kids & Teens Resource Centre (K&TRC) and benefited from the first cycle of the loan to further improve her income and living standard. She now provides the basic needs and school materials for her children. “I am now empowered and live in a better condition with my children, whom I can fend for.” said Bosede. The nutritional status of the children has improved, they are more regular in school and now happier.

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