Afghanistan: Finding ways to keep supporting
More than 21 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance, international aid is cut, millions are returned from neighbouring countries, and climate shocks are becoming more severe. For Norwegian…
“I never imagined that one day I would have a harvest of my own"
What started as a struggle to survive became a journey toward stability, dignity, and a brighter future for Halima and her children.
For years, Halima Salehe, a 45-year-old mother of six from Moshi Rural, woke up every morning wondering how she would feed her family. Life was a daily struggle.
To survive, she relied on casual farm work, planting, weeding, and harvesting on other people's farms. Some days, she earned enough to buy food.
Other days, she returned home empty-handed. Her children frequently missed school because she could not afford basic school requirements, and even preparing porridge without sugar became a reality for the family.
Halima recalls:
"I had almost lost hope. I never imagined that one day I would have a harvest of my own.”
A Community Responds
While struggling to keep her family afloat, Halima experienced another setback when she became a survivor of gender-based violence.
The case was reported by community members and local leaders, who alerted the Paralegal Unit of Kibo. Working together with village leaders, the Social Welfare Officer, and the Police Gender and Children's Desk, the paralegal team immediately stepped in to support Halima.
The case was followed from the initial report through the entire legal process.
Evidence was collected, the suspects were arrested, and the matter proceeded to court. At the end of the trial, one of the perpetrators was found guilty and sentenced to 30 years' imprisonment, while legal proceedings continued for the remaining suspects.
For the Paralegal Coordinator, the case remains unforgettable. She says:
"Justice is important, but our responsibility does not end when the court gives its judgment. Survivors also need support to regain their confidence and rebuild their lives.”
A Harvest of Hope
Recognizing the economic hardship Halima continued to face, ELCT Northern Diocese, with support from Norwegian Church Aid (NCA), extended livelihood support to help her recover.
The programme helped her cultivate a maize farm and provided ongoing technical support throughout the growing season.
The harvest transformed her life.
Halima harvested six bags of maize. She sold part of the crop to build a toilet after local authorities required improvements to her home's sanitation. This enabled her to repay a loan of TZS 300,000 (USD 113) that she had received to complete the construction.
She also used the income to cover school-related expenses for her children, including food contributions required by their school, allowing one child who had previously been sent home to return to class.
Halima tells us:
"The maize changed everything. I built a toilet, my children went back to school, and for the first time in a long time, I knew there would be food at home.”
With support from NCA and ELCT Northern Diocese, her children also received school uniforms, easing another financial burden on the family.
Halima adds:
"My family was so happy. We finally had enough food, and my children could continue with their education. I never expected anyone would help me like this. I had already given up on life.”
Looking Ahead
Today, although challenges remain, Halima says she has something she lost long ago: hope.
She dreams of continuing maize farming so she can provide for her family without depending on casual labour and continue lifting herself out of poverty.
Her message to other women facing violence is simple:
"Do not suffer in silence. Speak out and share what you are going through. You never know who may be ready to help you.”
For the Paralegal Unit of Kibo, Halima's journey demonstrates what is possible when communities, local government authorities, social welfare officers, police, and development partners work together.
Justice protected her rights, while livelihood support restored her dignity and gave her family a chance to begin again.
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