Pamela's Story
I'm Pamela Auma from Busia district in the Western part of Kenya. I'm a Luo girl from a family of six.
I completed my primary education in 2001, but I couldn't join a secondary school due to lack of school fees. I was so depressed to see most of my former classmates join secondary schools, while I was left at home lonely. I had no other alternative but to stay at home and help mum with the household tasks and prepare shambas ready for planting. This went on for the whole of that year.
Mum used to sell baskets, but it reached a time when she could not sell many as there were so many other basket sellers at the market. It was around January when our house burnt down with almost everything in it. Mum couldn't sleep as she kept worrying how we were going to eat, what we could wear and how she would find money. It wasn't after too long that all the water tanks, chicken and kitchen utensils were stolen. After all that, mum decided to take the two goats we had to the market. On her way back from market she was robbed and lost all the money she sold the goats for. All mum could do was cry. Life became so tough in that year, but we had to adapt to the conditions and circumstances we found ourselves in.
As a fourteen year old hopeless girl, I decided to plant vegetables on mum's small piece of land. It wasn't after too long that they were ready for harvesting. I started taking them to the market and mum continued taking her baskets.
It was on 24th November 2003 that I was requested to go to my former school, Nyamwanga Primary. I felt worried and even afraid for I didn't know the reason why I was needed there. When I went, I found out about Seed of Hope and Johari, and my life changed for the better.
I have since completed a two year course at Seed of Hope, learning dress making, business and life skills. The opportunity this gave me was immense. I have now started up my own business making and repairing clothes, and I also help out in the Johari shop. I am thankful for the opportunity Seed of Hope provided me and I know look the future with hope and dignity.