Rose Ayietta
Above all, Rose is a caretaker for her family. As a 56-year-old mother of three with grandchildren to provide for, she worked diligently as a casual laborer to provide for those around her. It was a difficult task to uphold, especially after the death of Simon, her husband of 27 years, in 2021. Her HIV diagnosis soon after his death complicated matters further.
“I was so shocked. I was scared of telling anyone about the results. I lived in secret and that meant I did not adhere to my medication because there was no one to keep me accountable.”
Without consistent use of ARV medication, she continued to struggle with persistent vomiting and diarrhea. Eventually, she was referred to Untold by her local clinic. “I was very impressed with all the things the program offered. I wanted to learn a new skill and so I agreed to join the program,” she said.
Rose credits Untold with keeping her busy and giving her something to look forward to each week. First and foremost, the spiritual aspect of the program has been foundational to her. Untold staff attest that after receiving a Bible from the program, she walks with it everywhere. She is an active participant in discipleship and often offers to pray for other clients during their sessions.
“I no longer struggle with self-stigma. I confidently relate to anyone.”
The community she found in Untold inspired her to disclose her status to her family. “I no longer struggle with self-stigma. I confidently relate to anyone,” she said.
Through the empowerment track, she’s learned a multitude of skills, including soap making, batik making, and poultry farming. She honed in on poultry farming and learned how to build enclosures and homes for chickens, how to feed them, treat various diseases, and how to monetize poultry farming.
“This allowed me to channel my thoughts and energy into something that is benefiting not just me but my grandchildren too,” she shared.
Rose started her farm with five chickens and at its peak, she had 35 chickens. Selling chicken eggs proved to be a worthwhile business venture, allowing Rose to generating a minimum of 10,000 Kenyan Shillings, or $70 monthly from the sales. Not only do the chickens provide money, but they’re also a source of food for her family. Unfortunately, after extreme weather in Kisumu, 15 chickens died. However, Rose’s perseverance and hope have not waivered. She’s even currently building an additional home on her property for her children and grandchildren to live in.
“I plan on expanding my business and living a full life,” Rose said.