September 13th, 2025, 3pm MDT
In a one-room mud house in the village of Pariya in northeastern Nigeria, mothers of six stared at the life of rareness. The food was never certain. The work was irregular. My dreams felt out of reach.
A small set of tools, savings circles and mentoring some patients then opened doors that would change her family’s livelihoods.
Today, Fadimatu Mallum has earned a stable income to extract and sell ground nut oil, purchase local grinders to expand their services, helping families build their first authentic home.
Mother’s turning point
Fadimatu Mallum and her husband, Abubakar Muhammad Mallum, are raising children. Fatima, 15; Sagir, 13; Umar, 10; Saudatu, 7; and Mariam, 4. For years, she sold small pieces of Moi-Moi (steamed bean pudding) on the market, but her profits are barely covered. “Every time I see my situation I lost hope that I could lead a quality life for myself and my children,” she said.
Her path changed when she was chosen for the Helen Keller Interl Initiative, funded by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
The donation will further support the Church’s global initiatives that support the well-being of women and children.
The program combines nutrition-sensitive home gardening and health education with income-generating skills, village savings and participation in the Loan Association. Throughout the project, Fadimatu was trained in ground nut oil extraction and received launch inputs such as ground nuts, large pots, basins, simple tools, as well as locations for women’s savings groups.
Skills, savings, small machines
Armed with training and weekly savings discipline, Fadimatu quickly began earning about 7,000 Nigerian Naria (approximately USD 4.64) profits per week. She acquired 2,500 Nigerian Naria (approximately US$1.66) per week and accumulated 80,000 Nigerian Naria (approximately US$53) over time with savings and loan groups.
“Fadimatu’s business was a blessing for our family,” Abubakar Mallum said. “It not only improved our financial situation, it also brought us closer as a family. We are building a future that we once thought was impossible.”
Broader impacts in Nigeria
Fadimatu’s story is one of thousands of stories unfolding in Nigeria, with a few years of collaboration between the Church and Helen Keller INTL strengthening the nutrition and livelihoods of internal displaced people and host communities.
A donation given by the church in October 2023 allowed 40 healthcare workers to be trained in practices to help with mothers, infants and young children. These donations also target 244 mothers and adolescent girls, and the Adriotal donations given in October 2024 directly affected 483 individuals and indirectly helped nearly 30,000.
A growing network of “model moms” like Fadimatu and adolescent mentors who host monthly support groups share practical lessons on maternal, infant and young nutrition and tips for finding malnutrition.
“I hope it brightens up tomorrow.”
On market day, Fadimatu children help her bottle oil and serve grinder customers. It is currently a family business that teaches work, management and solidarity. “I’m proud to see my kids help and learn,” she said. “This business has given us not only income, but dignity, purpose and hope to brighten up tomorrow.”
