Alima’s mother had her at a very young age, perhaps 15 or younger. Her father had left before she was born and then her mother left Alima in her grandmother’s care. Her grandmother explained that she was scared to let Alima out of her sight. She would try to sell nuts on a plate to care for her. She requested that the government consider allowing Alima to live at Mamaland, at the age of 6, when she was no longer able to provide for her basic needs. Alima remembers working hard on the farm, cutting rice, cooking food and fetching water. Alima likes the color red, playing outdoor games with her sisters like Base and Balansa-Ball, and eating macaroni. She says that the biggest difference about her life now is how hard she worked when she was very young. “I like going to school every day. Our house moms cook good food and take good care of me. I like when all of us are staying close and playing. It is nice to have so many sisters.” Alima originally wanted to be a housecleaner when she grew up but now dreams of becoming a pilot.