your family update
You Backed them and things began to change
Nilani Engunan
Donor
When we met Naleema, her eyes told a story of quiet strength mixed with deep worry. At just 24 years old, she is the mother of five young children, carrying a burden far beyond her years. She worked through every pregnancy, doing whatever work she could find to put food on the table for her family. But when her husband left, the full responsibility of providing for her children fell entirely on her shoulders, leaving her to face life’s struggles alone.
The cost of raising five children is overwhelming, and Naleema struggles daily just to meet their basic needs. Sending all of them to school has become nearly impossible. Some of her children miss classes or stay at home simply because she cannot afford school fees, uniforms, or supplies. Her youngest child is only six months old, and there are days when there is barely enough food in the house—sometimes only a single meal to share among them.
Life grows harder with each passing day, yet Naleema refuses to give up. Despite exhaustion, uncertainty, and constant worry about tomorrow, she continues to fight for her children’s survival and future. She does everything within her power to care for them, holding on to hope that one day their circumstances will change and her children will have the chance to live a safer, healthier, and more secure life.
We’ve captured their voice so you can hear their story.
Could you please share your name and tell us a little about yourself?
My name is Naleema, and I’m 25 years old. I live in Olanbewa, Kekirawa, with my five children. My youngest son is one and a half years old, my fourth child is three, the third is four, my second son is eight, and my eldest daughter is nine. We live with my mother in her house.
(When we met Naleema it was a very dire situation, her husband had left her, she had just given birth, she had 4 children, most were malnourished, she had significant postpartum depression and was unable to care for them. We had a lot of work to do just to have this family stabilise and it was because of you that funding was there and this was made possible).
What have you been doing these days?
I’m mostly at home taking care of my youngest child. I’ve also been managing the chickens provided by the Palmera project.
(For food security Palmera supports women to establish a home garden, which we did for Naleema and raise some chickens. When we met Naleema given her context, even opening up the chicken coup door was beyond where she was but with the support of the children, chickens were a way for her to secure her food in small ways).
Do your children go to school? How are things now that you’ve joined the project?
Yes, my children are attending school now, but it wasn’t always easy. Initially, I struggled to get a birth certificate for my youngest child because their father had left us. Palmera stepped in and guided me through the process, even providing financial support to get the certificate. Once that was sorted, the children were able to start school in January. Palmera also assists with bus fare for their school transport, which has been such a blessing for us.
(When we met Naleema, the children were not attending school. The school was discriminating them because of their poverty, they didn’t have enough money for the bus, they didn’t have the correct legal papers. Because of your support, we were able to provide immediate support to get all the kids going to school, purchase the critical school items to reduce discrimination like shoes, bags and school items and then do the hard work, to get papers signed where we could from the father and where we couldn’t work with the government to get the needed legal documents).
How did things change for you after joining Palmera?
I came across the Palmera project during one of the most difficult times in my life, when I was about to give birth to my youngest son. He was born at home under challenging circumstances. Their father had already left, and I couldn’t even afford basic things like clothes for the baby. Palmera provided us with everything we needed, a baby bath basket, clothes, and even a bed for my son.
(Given Naleema’s current state, significant basic items needed support, especially for her new born child, all of which was possible because of you).
They also gave us a chicken coop and chickens to start a small farm and covered my children’s bus fare for school. On top of all that, I attended the counseling sessions they organised.
How did you feel about the counseling sessions?
The counseling sessions were such a relief for me. They provided a safe space to share things I couldn’t discuss with my family.
(Naleema was in deep depression and before we could move to a hand up approach she needed significant counselling, which we facilitated each week).
Besides caring for your family, how have you been working these days?
I’ve been trying to find something I can do from home. I have a health condition that makes it difficult for me to work outside, especially with tasks involving water. With my mother’s responsibilities and my children to care for, I can’t leave them alone. I’m hoping to start a form of self-employment from home.
(Naleema is now in a place to at least think about herself, her children and the need for income. When you have lost everything, coming back up takes time, and that’s exactly what your support provided her, a lifeline).
Are you able to continue with the chicken farming you started?
Yes, I can definitely continue with the chicken farming. It’s something I can manage while staying at home with my children.
The family named Nilani has helped you. Do you like to say anything to them?
I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to Ms. Nilani. She has done so much for us, especially for someone like me who has been struggling. May God bless her abundantly and give her the strength to continue helping others.
Thank you!
