With the stress of being unemployed and having to provide for five children by herself, Dorcas Racheku worried about her children’s future, especially of her youngest.
Dorcas found out about Afrika Tikkun’s services from the community, because her youngest son was struggling academically and was becoming distracted by friends. Afraid of where this could lead her child, Dorcas registered him with Afrika Tikkun. While being at Afrika Tikkun was beneficial for the child’s education, Dorcas still needed support.
Through the Family Support Services Programme, Dorcas’ family received donations to help ease the load, this included clothing and food for the family. Even though at the time Dorcas was selling sweets this was not enough to provide for basic needs and pay for education. Since receiving assistance the Racheku’s family life has changed.
“The advice that really made a difference in my life was when that social worker explained the importance of independence and encouraged me to work hard for my family,” said Dorcas.
As a result, Dorcas learnt to sew and is now part of a group of women that opened their own bag sewing business. Even though the business is still at the beginning stages there is hope for a better life for Dorcas and her children, she is able to put food on the table because she saw the importance of finding a community that is supportive and getting the help she needs so she is not alone.