Rose Omina grew up in Awasi, near the border with Uganda. As idyllic as life there may seem, it is very hard for the population. The HIV rate is extremely high, leaving many children orphaned. There are very few opportunities for work, so many people live off what they grow in their fields. Due to climate change and its consequences, people are facing even greater challenges, as a crop failure means hunger and even more hardship.
Rose dedicated decades to her work as a social worker in the slums of Nairobi. Her tireless commitment to the poorest in society was remarkable. In her home town of Awasi, she founded the Mary Hill Selfhelp Group women’s initiative together with other residents in 2017. This initiative, which has been supported by Austrian Doctors since 2018, is particularly committed to the rights and support of women and children.
After her retirement in 2021, Rose returned from Nairobi to Awasi to devote herself full-time to the projects she had started. Her return was a great asset to the community as she brought all her experience and passion to the further development of the projects.
On April 24, 2024, we had to say goodbye to Rose Omina. After a short, serious illness, our long-standing project partner passed away. Her death leaves a huge gap in our community. However, the dedicated staff at our Nursery School and the Awasi Community Center are doing everything they can to fill this gap and continue Rose’s legacy.
Through the projects Rose has started, her vision of a fairer distribution of opportunities and better access to education for the many children in Awasi lives on. Her efforts have made a lasting difference to the lives of countless people, and her work will continue to bear fruit in the future.
Rest in peace, dear Rose. Your legacy will live on in our hearts and deeds.
