Mr.Otabong from Papoli village together with his wife Christine are mentally ill and have in their marriage for a period of 9 years. With the help of PACODEF community volunteer (Mr. Ogola Yuilo), on his routine activities for household monitoring, identified the twins of Mr.Otabong whose nutrition conditions were very poor. This was in 2011 when the said twins were identified and referred to PACODEF day care center (nutrition unit) to access care.
Following the intensive care and passion by PACODEF staff, the children were treated and given all the necessary help and attention. Due to the fact that their mother has a mental sickness, PACODEF day care staff extended their service to her also. The twins who were in a very poor living condition, their health status started improving gradually.
The twins are now grown up and are able to walk on their own. What a big achievement PACODEF has made considering the state of Otabong’s social and economic status, even the most closed relatives couldn’t do much to rescue the situation. This however qualifies PACODEF day care center as a safe haven for the disadvantaged children.
As we visited Otabong’s home for routine psycho-social support, we found his wife Christine who said the husband is always hired by some community members who only give him food as a token of payment for the day’s worked. This alone cannot support Otabong’s family of seven people (himself, his wife and five children) Talk about the basic requirements and their shelter or house; this pushes their life next to impossible. Basing on Otabong’s series of problems, one after the other PACODEF’s wholesome intervention is called for. He who knocks; the door shall be opened, support from PACODEF and any other kind people is needed to rehabilitate Otabong’s family and other people in a similar situation in Papoli village.
Thank you and God bless.
By Samali Nyabeli