As one of Matopeni’s original inhabitants and an active member of its Arise and Shine women’s group, Everlyne Saha Ombere was keen to support Christian Aid partner Maji na Ufanisi’s project to improve the slum’s drains.
As a widow, Everlyne must provide for her four children alone. And after her mother died, her young sisters Maureen and Nancy moved to Matopeni to live with Everlyne.
When work began on Matopeni’s drains, Everlyne led the group of women who collected water throughout the day so that those labouring on the site could mix cement with other materials for construction.
For Everlyne, it not only provided an opportunity for active involvement in the project, but also helped her earn money to buy essential items for the family.
February 2011
‘Arise and Shine know the people in the group who have problems. They chose me as a widow so I can feed my kids every day. They know there is no day I will miss work,’ explains Everlyne. ‘It was hard but we have to do it because we were earning something. So we have to cope!’
The job was physically demanding but Everlyne and the other women were determined to work hard. ‘Sometimes we could fetch eight water drums a day. One drum is 240 litres. Six people or four people would carry the drum. Sometimes I was sick because of headaches but we were talking and that made it easier. Before the end of each day we were happy.
‘We were paid 300 shillings a day. We appreciated it so much and Christmas was so good! I bought a chicken and I bought sodas for my children.
‘I saved a lot for January because my son is in standard 8. I could pay his examination fee early and he did not have to miss any school.
‘No councillor or minister has made drainage for us,’ says Everlyne. ‘Now there is going to be a big change and we appreciate it so much.’
