A Home Restored: The Story of Caroline Ohito
For years, Caroline Ohito of Mala Village, Siaya County, faced a daily struggle that no mother should have to endure. She lived in a small, dilapidated mud house with a crumbling thatched roof, a structure that offered little protection from the elements. But the deepest pain came from knowing she couldn’t provide a safe haven for her six children. With no proper shelter, she was forced to send them away to live with relatives and friends, a heartbreaking decision that left her feeling alone and ashamed.
Caroline’s story is one of resilience in the face of immense hardship. She never gave up hope, and through the generosity of the GWASA Family CBO, that hope has blossomed into a reality. Today, her life has been transformed. She now lives with newfound dignity, peace, and security in a restored home that is no longer a source of shame but a symbol of her strength. Her children have returned, their laughter now filling the rooms that were once empty.
This remarkable transformation was made possible by the dedicated efforts of our community and the careful planning of the 2024 Widows’ Project, an initiative driven by the GWASA Family Community-Based Organization (CBO).
Understanding the Budget: From Proposal to Reality
The project team, after careful consideration, presented two budget options for the house, with the main difference being the type of fittings used. After careful review, the majority of the team voted in favour of the more economical wooden fittings option. This decision, along with an existing contribution for the project, helped us achieve our goals efficiently. We were also able to reduce costs further with a generous contribution from Caroline herself, who provided enough wood to be used for the timber needed for the project.
In overall the project costed us as follows:
- Material and Transportation Cost: KES 96,350
- Labor Charge: KES 8,000
Total Cost: KES 104,350
The Call to Compassion: A Biblical Mandate
The Call to Compassion: A Biblical MandateThe GWASA Family’s commitment to this project is rooted in a deep-seated belief in the biblical call to care for the most vulnerable among us. Scripture repeatedly emphasizes God’s heart for widows and the poor, reminding us that true faith is not just about words, but about actions.
- James 1:27: “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.”
- Psalm 68:5: “A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling.”
- Proverbs 31:8-9: “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.”
- Deuteronomy 10:18: “He defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and loves the foreigner residing among you, giving them food and clothing.”
Caroline’s story is a powerful reminder of how a safe and stable home can restore dignity and provide a foundation for a better future. The GWASA Family is proud to have contributed to this project and to have been the hands and feet of this biblical mandate. Thank you for your continued support in making a tangible difference in the lives of widows like Caroline.
