Mrs. Rifkatu Samuel is 45 years old, a resident of Dogo Na Hauwa community of Barkin-ladi LGA. She is a mother of 5 children and a passionate agricultural entrepreneur. As a farmer, she does not only farm to feed and fend for her immediate family but she also contributes to the economic growth of her local community by selling her farm produce at the local market. Unfortunately, her story changed as a result of the violent conflict that erupted in her community that claimed the lives of her loved ones. The sober look on Rifkatu’s face can tell a million story at almost the same time, as she spoke calmly, “I lost every zeal to move on with life, I became withdrawn from all forms of social and economic activities, nothing seems to make sense to me, it was as if the candle that lightened up my life had been snuffed out”.

Irrespective of the challenge she faced, she sourced for money from loved ones and invested N30, 000 ($83.3) into Cucumber farming but unfortunately, she lost the investment as a result of sudden disease out-break in that farming season. This further aggravated her earlier condition as she became psychologically traumatized. It was at this period that Mashiah Foundation came into their community to work with women who have been affected by the violent conflicts that had claimed many lives.

Rifkatu was provided with psychosocial services and several trauma healing session was held for her at her home and other quite locations within her community. When she was emotionally stable, she was provided with start-up grant and linked to the established VSLA in the community. Rifkatu had this wide smile on her face as she said “Today my story has changed, thanks to Mashiah Foundation with the support of US Embassy, Abuja. I feel very encouraged and motivated to continue with my passion (Farming), I have put my past behind me and am focused on the future”. 

Rifkatu now has a better relationship with other women in her women’s forum and other members of the community can see the transformation in her. This has also transcended in her farming activities as she has learned how to build resilience. Rifkatu Samuel is one among the 100 beneficiaries enrolled into the Mashiah Foundation/ US Embassy funded Project whose capacity has been built on resilience through the PSS and Trauma healing sessions.