Mama Tabu
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We first met Mama Tabu as she was being pushed across Bukumbi Care Centre in a wheelbarrow by a young boy. With her legs bent under her the indignity of this mode of transport was far easier than her alternative which is to shuffle slowly in the dirt and dust on the ground. Always smiling and cheerful her demeanour belied her home situation. She first came to BCC in 1992 and lived there for 15 years with her mother and young daughter, Tabu, who were her main carers. When her daughter turned 18 years old all three of them left the camp to live together in the nearby village. Unfortunately her daughter became an alcoholic and started to work as a prostitute, things got very difficult at home and eventually Tabu left and returned to Sengerema. Mama Tabu has not seen her daughter for 3 years now. Along with her elderly mother Mama Tabu continued to live in the village, and with the help of an outside friend they rented a one room mud hut for just £1 a month. As her mother became more frail and started suffering from dizzy spells Mama Tabu requested that she be allowed to return to BCC to live with her mother. After much discussion they were eventually allowed back and are now enjoying the ‘luxury’ of shelter and regular food. Many of the residents at BCC are her friends from years ago and she enjoys spending time with them. Mama Tabu asked us if we can help her with a tricycle to help her to get around the camp easier, we will investigate to see if there is anything suitable that can be found. |
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