I am a single mother of three children. In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, I lost the job I had faithfully held for eight years. Since then, I have struggled to find stable employment. Despite continuous efforts, opportunities have been scarce, and the little support I received from family and friends—though well-intentioned—was never enough to start the small business I had hoped for.

With what little I received, I began selling small items to care for my children. As they grew older, the financial burden became heavier—feeding them and paying their school fees became an overwhelming challenge. Eventually, the support from family members stopped altogether.

Out of desperation, I began working for a woman who sold plantains. She did not pay me a wage, but allowed me to sell a basin of garri for myself. Unfortunately, the profit from that was minimal and unsustainable, and I was soon unable to continue even that. I ended up working solely for her, with no means to support my own family.

Eventually, I could no longer afford to send my youngest child to school. Repeated pleas for help were met with silence or rejection, even from those closest to me. I was later evicted from our home when I could no longer pay rent. My first child now lives with a friend to survive, while I live with my two younger children—homeless and relying on the kindness of strangers just to eat.

Despite these heartbreaking circumstances, I still have hope. I have a strong passion for cooking and dream of starting a small food vending business or a modest restaurant. I believe that with the right support, I can rebuild my life and provide for my children with dignity.

Any assistance—no matter how small—would mean the world to us. It would not just be a donation; it would be a lifeline. Thank you for taking the time to hear my story.