By Kai Mansa-Musa
In the bustling streets of Freetown, Sierra Leone, the sounds of hammers striking rock resonate with the relentless determination of Mariama Kamara. At 44, this mother of five breaks and sells stones to support her family, all the while nurturing a deep-seated dream that remains unfulfilled: to become a nurse.
A Life Diverted
Mariama’s journey began in the village of Bassia, where she was not given the opportunity to pursue her education. “My father chose to send my brother to school instead of me,” she reflects, a hint of regret in her voice. Though she showed promise and received free tutoring from a dedicated priest, her dreams of education were dashed by the traditional norms of her family.
At the age of 17, Mariama married, and over the years, she has built a family while navigating the challenges of life without formal education. Now a grandmother to three, her love and commitment to her children and grandchildren drive her daily toil.
The Struggles of Today
As Mariama stands beside piles of broken stones on the roadside, she shares the hardships she faces. “I haven’t prepared a square meal for three days,” she admits, her eyes reflecting the weight of her struggles. Where she once sold two to three headpans of stones daily, earning enough to feed her family, now her sales have dwindled, leaving her to scrape by with minimal income.
“I mix Garrie with dry fish and other ingredients; that’s what we eat for the day,” she explains, showcasing her resourcefulness in the face of adversity. Despite her exhaustion from the grueling work, Mariama remains determined to provide for her family, often selling stones to others to ensure she can prepare at least one meal.
Dreams of Nursing
Reflecting on her unfulfilled aspirations, Mariama muses about what life might have been like had she been allowed to pursue nursing. “I would have been able to help my family and my community in a meaningful way,” she says wistfully. Yet, she remains undeterred, finding ways to support her children’s education, including overseeing their extra tuition at night.
Her commitment to her children’s education is inspiring. Despite her own lack of schooling, she ensures they have access to resources and support. “I want them to have the opportunities I didn’t,” she asserts, driven by a maternal instinct to break the cycle of poverty.
Community and Family
Mariama’s resilience extends beyond her immediate family. She frequently travels back to Kambia to support her father and aunts, demonstrating a strong sense of community and family responsibility. Her journey from selling fish in her early years to stone mining reflects her adaptability and strength in the face of life’s challenges.
While she dreams of returning to Kambia, Mariama is realistic about her situation. “If I go back without money, people will think I’m wealthy just because I’ve lived in Freetown for 20 years,” she explains, highlighting the societal pressures she navigates.
A Beacon of Hope
Mariama Kamara’s story is not just one of struggle; it is a testament to the strength of the human spirit. Her determination to provide for her family while nurturing dreams of a better future serves as an inspiration to many. She embodies resilience, resourcefulness, and an unwavering commitment to her loved ones.
As Mariama continues her daily labor, she remains a powerful reminder that, despite the obstacles life presents, hope and determination can pave the way for a brighter future. Her journey speaks volumes about the need for education and opportunities for women, showing that with the right support, dreams can flourish, even against the toughest odds.