When an attack destroyed his village in Mafa, a 55-year-old father lost far more than his home. He lost his wife, his livelihood, and the sense of security he had built over a lifetime.

Forced to flee with his five young daughters, he sought refuge in a nearby host community. But as a visually impaired man in an unfamiliar place, surviving day-to-day quickly became an overwhelming struggle.

Without an income or basic household items, the family was squeezed into a makeshift thatch shelter. It offered almost no protection against heavy rain or scorching heat. Extreme poverty set in, and with no formal support, the father had no choice but to rely on his young daughters to guide him through the local streets to beg for food.

Instead of spending their days learning or playing, his daughters spent them navigating public spaces to keep the family fed. The arrangement exposed the family to harsh weather, public judgment, and degrading treatment from passersby, taking a heavy emotional toll on both the father and his children.