A few reports came back like this:
“This is a really needy home, <student’s name> mom has been sick for quite a while now, she had a stroke on her right-hand side, speech and movement are a little bit slow, and recovery is progressing slowly. At the moment, she has no stable job or any means of livelihood as the illness has incapacitated her. She is a widow and is totally dependent on aid from well-wishers for survival. Her biggest challenge is getting meals for <student name> and his siblings. Maggie inquired and was informed that the house rent is 700 Kenyan shillings. ($7 a month). We also noticed a lack of beddings, and Maggie handed over to the family two blankets that had been donated.”
This is the one that made me sit down and write to you.
“We visited <student name> mum at her workplace and explained the gift, but she insisted that we head home and dialogue with <student name> grandma as they live in the same house. When we knocked, <student name> inquired who we were on the other end before opening the door.
Inside the one-roomed house, grandma was making an illicit brew known as busaa in <student name> presence. The pungent smell was so strong and could intoxicate an adult.
This was a shocking experience for us. I have known the family and have visited them several times and was not aware that they brew illicit liquor. What was even sad is that they are making it in the presence of <student name>. We did not know what to do about that situation. In this kind of situation, what is the best way to approach it? How can we help them, especially <student name>?
They lost most of their possessions from police raids. Police love visiting such homes to get bribes.
We were sharing with Milly on our way back, and we are concerned about <student name> well being. She is too exposed. It’s such things that make young people start using and selling the busaa (alcohol).” |