Tanzania President Gifts GH¢9k to Woman Photographed Cuddling Preterm Babies

• When Mariam Mwakabungu from Dar es Salaam visited a friend who had recently given birth, she was moved by how babies born prematurely struggle
• Having experienced a childhood without parents' love as an orphan, she felt deep compassion for these vulnerable infants.
• She started making regular trips to the hospital to hold and comfort them, a story that touched President Samia Suluhu, who rewarded her with GH¢9,382.57 as gratitude

When Mariam Mwakabungu from Kinyerezi in Dar es Salaam decided to care for premature babies born at Amana Hospital, her motherly instincts were just at work.

Having known that preemie babies require a lot of warmth, Mariam made it a point to cuddle the babies on her chest, never mind that they were not hers.

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It all started when the married mother of two went to visit a friend who had delivered at the hospital and saw how kids born prematurely struggle.

When Mariam remembered that she was an orphan who did not enjoy the love and care of parents, she decided to be a parent to the children.

Maria gifted by Samia

Little did the 25-year-old know that the motherly act would not only turn her into a viral figure but also attract the attention of President Samia Suluhu Hassan.

An emotional video on Azam TV captured the moment the woman broke into tears after being informed that Madame Samia was rewarding her.

Details indicate that the head of state gifted her with GH¢9,382.57 (USh 2 million) in recognition of her dedication and care.

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"She has been helping children who've lost their mothers for one reason or the other," said Dr Bryson Kiwelu who had been sent to hand over the token.

Mariam shed tears of joy

The medic underpinned that the gift is in line with Samia's focus on improving the healthcare sector in Tanzania, especially maternal health.

He added that the president's gesture was meant to encourage others of kind hearts to come forth and touch lives.

"I am so grateful to the head of state for this gift. Thanks a lot, our mother," Mariam said, trying to hold back tears of joy.

Her story started when she became the talk of social media for about two days after volunteering to embrace the little children.

Mariam praised by netizens

The heartwarming images shared on mainstream media and various online platforms attracted netizens who praised the motherly woman's extraordinary compassion.

Beatrice Minja:

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"She is very blessed with a very good heart. I can't even imagine how she thought about such an act. There are people with kind hearts."

Edward Nkoba:

"Thank you Madame Samia for recognising this woman's contribution to the society. The award will surely encourage her and others as well to practise kindness."

Anna Mhonda:

"I have nothing to give her myself but I pray for God to always bless your endeavours for your entire life on earth."

Wise Man Yusuph Mbuguni:

"May God bless this woman and give her a long life. She was given such a good heart which, if emulated, the world would be a better place to live."

As the image continues to circulate on social media, Mariam has become an embodiment of the power of compassion and the extraordinary impact small acts of kindness can have on the lives of others.

Source: TUKO.co.ke