From the Slums of Mathare — A Child Alone
Hilda Simiyu was born into hardship. Her father was killed in an accident shortly after her birth, leaving her mother to raise her alone in one of Nairobi's most challenging communities — the Mathare slums.
Then, approximately one year ago, tragedy struck again. Hilda's mother passed away due to illness, leaving 12-year-old Hilda completely on her own. With no family to turn to, she survived day-to-day in Mathare, cared for sporadically by compassionate neighbors and strangers.
When GDP's Women's Empowerment Director discovered Hilda during a recent field visit to Kenya, the situation was urgent and undeniable. Working alongside the Good Samaritan Children's Home — our trusted Nairobi partner — GDP made an immediate decision: Hilda would not face this alone any longer.
What is Kwashiorkor?
Kwashiorkor is a severe form of acute malnutrition caused by a critical lack of protein in the diet. It commonly develops in children who have survived on inadequate food — particularly in poverty-stricken environments. Symptoms include swelling of the body (edema), a distended belly, skin lesions, hair discoloration, extreme weakness, and compromised immunity. Left untreated, it is life-threatening. With proper nutrition therapy and medical care, children can recover — but time is critical.
Hilda has been diagnosed with Kwashiorkor. She urgently needs professional medical treatment, nutritional rehabilitation, and a safe, stable home. GDP has formally adopted responsibility for Hilda's complete welfare — and we will not stop until she is healthy, educated, and thriving.
But we cannot do it without you.