Amina's Farm

Amina was a single mother in Kenya, working to support her young children and her parents. She could not earn enough in Kenya, so she left her children in the care of her parents and came to Ireland hoping to find more economic opportunity. She did not have a work permit, but did find employment for three years. In 2011, she lost her job and was unable to find another for several months. Because she was irregular, she was unable to receive any assistance, and found herself facing homelessness. A friend who knew of her situation told her that IOM could help her return to Kenya, and so Amina made an appointment to find out more information.

Amina decided that it would be best for her to return to her family in Kenya. IOM assisted her by purchasing her plane ticket, and organizing her travel documents out of Ireland. Amina was also relieved to learn that she could apply for reintegration assistance, which would allow her to start a business. Before returning to Kenya, she read newspapers and did research on the internet to prepare herself for what to expect. She wanted to have current information about the economy in Kenya before returning.

After returning to live with her parents and children, Amina wrote a business proposal and submitted it to the local IOM office. Once her business was approved, she received materials necessary for her to start a vegetable and poultry farm on her family’s land. After six months, Amina reported that the farm was growing slowly. She can partially support her family with the income, but is finding it difficult to market her produce effectively. She would consider working abroad again, but hopes that her farm will continue to expand so that it will become her sole source of income.