Anonymous school fees for ‘Mama Carol’
They both agreed to contribute a small sum to help bridge the fees balance that ‘Mama Carol’ owed to her children’s school.
‘Mama Carol’ is a food vendor based at Kyaliwajjala Market. She sells quick snacks and bites like Samosas and fried Cassava chips. These help to reck in some finances to offset her needs.
Since the Covid-19 countrywide lockdown last year, ‘Mama Carol’ had struggled to make ends meet. And because of the restrictions on movement, it was hard for her to commute from her home, which is10kms from her duty station. She also lost most of the capital she had saved because she had to fend for her family during the uncertain times. When the Lockdown was partially lifted, she returned to the market to try and salvage the situation, but her kiosk had been removed due to accumulated rent dues. She then sought work at a nearby restaurant as a cook.
She is a mother of three children, whom she solely takes care of. Recently, ‘Mama Carol’ expressed her struggles to a neighbor whom she serves food, about her meeting some of her financial obligations such as ensuring that her three children went back to school. The children are in the candidate classes, and among the lot that was allowed to return to school to complete their studies.
The neighbor (who preferred anonymity) did not promise her anything when he was approached, but simply offered her a listening ear, because he felt that sometimes, just giving someone a listening ear, helps to create some sort of mental and psychological calmness. After their conversation, the neighbor retreated and thought of how to help the needy mother.
The anonymous giver wanted to ask some friends to help contribute to the cause, however the nearest asset to help was his wife. He narrated to his wife about the plight of their favorite snacks’ provider. They both agreed to contribute a small sum to help bridge the fees balance that ‘Mama Carol’ owed to her children’s school.
On 8th February, the couple called ‘Mama Carol’ and offered her the amount equals to the balance of fees, so that her children can be allowed back to school. An elated Mama Carol broke down with joy.
At the time of penning this story down, ‘Mama Carols’ children had returned to school. She says she will continue to look for the new term school fees but was overly appreciative for the kind gesture offered to her from her neighbor.
Editor’s request: If you have an interesting community story of giving around your community, it could be about your neighbor, favorite market seller or even yourself, Kindly share with us through email: communications@csagmail.com
By CivSource Team