How 15 Ladies in Eldoret are Turning Pain into Beauty

We all have experienced grief at various points in our lives following the loss of siblings, relatives, friends and even parents.

However, everyone handles grief differently with others naming babies after the deceased or starting up schools or philanthropic foundations in memory of the loved ones who have gone in order to continue with their legacy.

It is alongside this that newly created group Mastermind ladies, currently based in Eldoret and operating within Uasin Gishu, Nandi and Elgeyo Marakwet, are striving to enhance the lives of widows through financial and material support through monthly visits.

The group consisting of 15 ladies, lost their dads in various time periods and were inspired to better the lives of their bereft mothers and other widows. It was formed on June 19, 2021.

Mastermind ladies Chairlady Mercy Jepchirchir has stated that the group consists of intellectual ladies aged between 23-30 who are yearning to find solutions to problems within their communities and beyond.

She has also stated that having lost their fathers,  the group members are more familiar with the challenges they have at home, which, during the monthly visits are addressed by bringing relevant gifts.

”The first mum that we visited, was gifted a bed and mattress, to the second mum, we gifted building materials because before the dad died, he wanted to construct an extra room. The third mum received a tank since they had moved to a place where water was scarce,"she
explained.

The Chairlady also noted that during the monthly visits, they talk with the women, listen to them and even engage them and other women present on financial literacy for the unknown future.

According to the group’s coordinator, Risper Tallam, the number of members are gradually increasing since they spark the interest of more ladies during their monthly visits and donations to widows.

Tallam also explained that they save Sh 1,200 monthly which they use to buy gifts and foodstuffs for the widows.
”We are still a young group, however, we plan on expanding to other regions and help more widows.” She said.

The group consists of Mercy Jepchirchir, Mercy Wilson,Nancy Kibet, Tallam Risper, Kaburu Celestine, Viola Jepkorir, Gladys Koech, Hilda Korir, Gladys Koech, Tallam Judy, Korir Shillah, Korir Sylvia, Abigael Kiprono and Gladys Kemboi.