Mary the Baker

Mary struggled for many years – physically, emotionally, and socially. As a single mother with health issues, with no formal education, living in the Bison slums, the stress was almost unbearable. 

“When I turned 45 years old, my hope of changing my life started narrowing down. I knew it was all done. I thought poor people like me do not matter in society. I had started avoiding crowded places because whenever people looked at me, I thought they wanted to laugh at me because of my appearance. Sometimes I had to go for days without food, or at times with one meal.”

Then, in 2026, with support from Give Us Wings staff and the surrounding community, Mary was enrolled in the newly-formed Nyangole Cooperative which is comprised of many of her neighbors from the Hera and Nygio Ber women’s groups. Mary was then enrolled in Give Us Wings’ Community Youth Skilling program. This program gives women like Mary, who had to drop out of school, the opportunity to gain professional skills in an enterprise of their choice: tailoring, hairdressing, and baking. The women receive a six-month training course and then are given a package of capital and supplies with which to start their own small business. 

Mary chose baking. Now she bakes and sells items like mandazi (sweet fried bread/donut) every day. And though it’s still on a relatively small scale (earning between $2.50 - $6.00/day), her new business makes it possible for her to buy food and other basic items. Mary works hard to save about $.60/ day so she can buy more ingredients for her business. 

“Nyangole Coop brought back my lost hope and happiness when they selected me to enroll for community skilling. My baking business is now my best friend, my everything. I used to move to people's homes begging what to eat, but now I buy my own food and pay my rent and give my children the basics of life. Finally I am happy. Thank you Give Us Wings for wiping my tears." 

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