Born 68 years ago into a poor family in Ikolomani, Josina Shilwatso Wilunda did not attend a formal school. She, however, quickly learnt that education was the key to breaking the vicious cycle of poverty. She became a great champion of education, inspiring and challenging her children and grandchildren to excel at school.

When her daughter was diagnosed with breast cancer, she visited her frequently with food and milk for the infant who could not breastfeed. When her daughter died, leaving behind three young children, she accepted the responsibility of raising them. Through her hard work, she always provided for the family, even when this required that she toil on people’s farms all day for meagre pay.

Mama Josina was a firm believer in what was right and would tell you to your face if she found your behaviour appalling – but she would also be the first to applaud good manners.

When one of her sons wanted to join secondary school, she had saved just Sh800 in the form of tattered Sh50 notes and coins. She did not shy away from taking her son to secondary school with this amount. When the principal, who was astonished to see the coins and notes, asked where the remaining money was, she courageously answered that she would bring the balance soon.

Mama Josina always wanted the best for her children and grandchildren, often checking their academic progress and encouraging them to work harder for a better future. She always ensured that the lamp had kerosene so that they could study in the evening and complete their homework.

But then this pillar of the family was diagnosed with cancer and endured a year of pain and suffering as she underwent treatment. In true character, she remained optimistic she would overcome the disease and be testimony that having cancer does not equal death. Unfortunately, on April 30, 2018, she lost this noble battle and died. Her values, character and sacrifices will remain in her family’s hearts forever, and be passed on from generation to generation.

Mama Josina is survived by her husband Joseph Wilunda Shitsuni; seven children, Patrick, Jacinta, Beatrice, Calistus, Godfrey, Boniface and Vincent; five daughters and sons-in-law; and 16 grandchildren. She was buried on May 12 in Mahani village, Ikolomani.