Sharon's Story
Kali Sharon
Paint making has been my lifeline. It helped me discover my ability to create, not just products, but also a sense of peace within myself. Each color I make feels like a step toward healing. The support from the paint making community, especially David’s help with medical bills for my daughter and the salary we now receive, has been life-changing.
Through this project, I’ve gained independence and confidence. I can now provide for my family and ensure proper medical care for my daughter, which brings me immense relief. The stigma I once faced has faded; people in my community now see me as capable and creative. Even collecting soot for black pigments has allowed me to connect with others and show them my resourcefulness.
This project has given me hope, healing, and a renewed sense of purpose. I’ve realized my potential, and I’m excited to keep learning and creating.
For me personally, this project has been transformative. It gave me not just skills but also a sense of belonging, healing, and hope for a better future.
My journey here hasn’t been easy. As a young mother rejected by my boyfriend during my final year of school, I felt my world had collapsed. The societal stigma against single mothers made it even harder, and I often felt like I didn’t belong—at home, in the community, or even at work.
Despite the challenges, I finished school and returned home, though with a heavy heart due to the shame I faced. Life was a constant struggle—balancing motherhood, rejection, and societal expectations. I tried making peanut butter to support myself and my daughter, but it wasn’t enough to meet our needs, especially when she frequently fell ill with malaria.
Sharon's 3 yr old daughter, Heavenly Queen.