Mary

Mary, a resilient mother, had one simple wish: “I want a good life for my kids.” Unfortunately, this wish would prove difficult due to the violent conflict ravaging her home country of South Sudan.

When war broke out between North and South Sudan, Mary and her family fled to Kenya and found relative safety in Kakuma Refugee Camp, but the conditions were challenging. Today, the arid camp is home to over 150,000 refugees. 

When South Sudan experienced a moment of peace, Mary returned home, only to be forced away again after the violence resumed. This time, Mary and her family sought refuge in Nairobi, Kenya. As a foreigner arriving in the large capital city, Mary struggled to find work and a place to live.

“Sometimes it hurts just to remember the state I was in,” she said with tears in her eyes. “I was selling food by the roadside. I put the food in a wheelbarrow and took it to the construction sites. I had beans and green grams, and I thought selling these would help me put my kids through school.” 

Around this time, Mary began receiving support from RefugePoint, transforming her life from one focused on survival to one of stability. Mary received food, rent support, and school fees for her children and eventually began attending business training sessions. When Mary finished her training, RefugePoint provided her with a small business grant, which she used to open her own restaurant.

“I have one talent: I know how to cook. I am a good cook. When I gave it thought, I decided there was no other job than cooking food.” 

After visiting Mary’s restaurant, we can attest to her talents as a chef. Today, she’s paying rent, bills, and school fees with her income. Her kids eat the delicious meals she prepares while she and her employees serve their guests. “I will work so that tomorrow they will have a future like other kids… They are really doing well in life.”