Irene

Full name: Irene Omari Gau (‘Irene’ of ‘Mama Baraka’)
Profession: House mother
Tribe: Mrangi
Born in: 1974
Working for the Sarakasi program since: 2007

I have the same job as Marietha. I was born in Sakami, Kondoa district, Dodoma region. My mother died when I was 2 years old and for many years after that I had a very difficult life with my father and stepmother. I herded goats and cows. One day I lost a cow, I was severely beaten and I was sent in the dark to look for that cow. I didn’t have a home and I roamed from one place to the other. In 1983 a cousin promised to send me to school in Arusha. I went with her and for many years I did not come outside: I was working like a slave. Luckily I escaped and in 1996 I came to Mto wa Mbu, where I sold fish, worked in the hotel branch and met my husband Shayo. I have 2 sons and wish for them the education I have never had. I am also now learning how to read and write.

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