Rosemary Eligoi, looks much older than her 37 years. Although she has nine children and is now expecting her tenth, this has not dampened her future. She is facing life stoically, thanks to the Hunger Safety Net Program that has given her a glimmer of hope.
Rosemary knows first hand the benefits of the HSNP. In 2011, she joined Phase I, exactly two years after its inauguration. She describes those times as tough. Her husband who was the family’s bread winner had passed away. Death of her husband, a respected assistant chief then, plunged the family into a period of difficulty. From being provided for, they faced a life of lacking almost all the basic necessities of life.
“ Life for me and my children looked bleak. But with cash transfers from the HSNP, I am grateful that the support helped my children not to drop out of school,” she proudly says.
During the challenging period after demise of her husband, she trekked long distances, risking attack and sexual assault from ruthless bandits in search of firewood.
“ HSNP is a great initiative. In Phase 1, I received 3,500 shillings every two months for six months,” she says her face beaming with genuine happiness.
She says that without the cash transfers, she is convinced she would have died and not be alive today to share her success story.