Hello everyone, thank you so much for taking the time to read this. I'm writing this on behalf of our friend Salim, who is based in Mombasa, Kenya.

Salim's story:

Salim grew up in Mombasa under the care of his devoted single mother, alongside his four siblings. Life has not been easy for their family. Last July, Salim’s eldest brother passed away after battling throat cancer. The loss deeply affected everyone, including their mother, whose health also declined. Sadly, she also passed away in March of this year.

Now, Salim bears the full responsibility of caring for his younger brothers and sisters. Despite the immense challenges, he remains determined to do everything he can to support and protect his family.

At the same time, Mombasa is facing heavy rains and severe flooding, worsened by the growing climate crisis that continues to devastate communities across the Global South. Crops have been destroyed and local industries disrupted, leaving many families — including Salim’s — struggling to find stable work and income. He was working in a hotel but it's now low season, with heavy rain and flooding which has disrupted tourism in the area.

Salim currently earns very little, and his opportunities for additional work are limited. It’s becoming increasingly difficult for him to meet the family’s daily needs, and he can't afford to send his younger siblings back to school. Still, Salim continues to search for ways to provide for his family with resilience and hope, refusing to give up despite the hardship surrounding him. He works incredibly hard in everything he does.

In his own words, Salim says: 'I feel stranded. At some point I thought of suicide but i just looked at my siblings and I had to accept the situation. For now, I am depressed... schools were opened last week but my siblings are at home. I will really appreciate if I will be able to take my siblings to school.'

Salim needs help.

The money from your support will go towards:

Food and rent. He is struggling to pay his rent currently, and fears eviction for late payments which would render the young siblings without a safe home. He wishes to use the rest of the money contributed to support the education of his brother and sister and to stabilise their family. His biggest hope is that his siblings can return safely to their studies and schooling.

I appreciate so many people are struggling right now and in various ways to stay alfloat. The need is extreme both home and abroad. So if you can't donate, please share this fundraiser to help it find its way to those who may be in a position to contribute financially. Your support, care and help means so very much.

With love, thanks and gratitude,

Jess and Emma

xxx