The ECONEF Family

In Swahili, a woman is referred to as Mama plus the name of her first born, until she becomes a grandmother (or Bibi). The women who run ECONEF are equal parts, strong and nurturing.

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Bibi 

Caroline, founder of ECONEF, is referred to as Bibi by all of the children. For most of the kids, she has been their Bibi since their earliest childhood memories. Growing up on a nearby farm, Caroline learned to care for her family’s cows, chickens, and pigs at an early age. As an adult, she worked in banking and pharmaceuticals for over three decades, before becoming an entrepreneur and selling many of the vegetables and livestock she cared for as a child. Having been born and raised in the community where she founded ECONEF, all of Caroline’s children benefit from the love and support of her church and neighbors that have known her and her family for generations.

 

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Mama Godi

Mama Godi has been living with and caring for the kids since 2012. She spends every day with them, giving them chore assignments, preparing their meals, and laughing at all of their jokes. 

 

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Mama Inez

Mama Inez oversees the care of the animals at the Center, looking after the goats, cows, chickens, and pigs. She always has the biggest, most genuine smile, and nothing but love behind her eyes.