The Okon Family's Relief

“The Okon family found vital caregiver support through our partner network, helping a single-income household in Uyo reclaim stability and hope.”

A Weight Carried Alone

Chukwu and Amara Okon live in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, with their son, Tobenna, who requires round-the-clock care and close supervision. Amara is a market trader at Itam Market and Chukwu works in the informal sector — long hours, unpredictable income, no sick days. For years, the couple shouldered Tobenna's care alone. Extended family were scattered across different states, and hired help was simply unaffordable. “Every morning I woke up already tired,” Amara recalls. “I was his mother, his caregiver, and his advocate all at once. I had no space left for anything else.”

The turning point came during the rainy season of 2026, when Amara fell ill and Chukwu was unable to take time off work. With no one to help care for Tobenna, the family reached a breaking point. A neighbour directed them to MEWAYZ COMMUNITY IMPACT FOUNDATION (MEWAYZ), which had recently launched a community outreach programme in their local government area.

Finding the Right Support

Through MEWAYZ's Family Support Services, the Okon family was connected to the Caregiver Support Network — a group of trained community volunteers and part-time support workers matched to families in need. Rather than a generic service, MEWAYZ took time to understand Tobenna's routine and Amara's specific needs. Within two weeks, a reliable weekly support schedule had been arranged.

“The first time the MEWAYZ volunteer came to our home, I was not sure what to expect,” Amara admits. “But watching her sit with Tobenna, talking to him gently, playing simple games — I saw him relax. That told me everything. I knew we were in good hands.”

Our caregiver support programme allows parents like Amara to rest and recharge, restoring balance to family life in Uyo.

Renewed Energy, Renewed Family

With a weekly support schedule in place, the transformation in the Okon household was real and immediate. Amara was able to return to her market stall without the constant anxiety of leaving Tobenna unattended. Chukwu found himself arriving home to a calmer, less exhausted partner. Their evenings, once silent and strained, became a time they looked forward to again.

“It is not about being away from him,” Chukwu explains. “It is about coming back to him with more to give. When my cup is not empty, I am a better father. I have patience. I have joy. That is what MEWAYZ gave our family.”

Today, the Okon family are among MEWAYZ's most vocal community ambassadors in Uyo. Amara speaks regularly to other caregiving parents at local community meetings, encouraging them to reach out. Their story is a reminder that in communities where support structures are often stretched thin, a small intervention can change everything.