This is why I work with widows

Rev Dr Jane Wanjiku of Mizpah Ministries International based in the Los Angeles California. USA, prays for widows during a handing over ceremony of two houses at Mahiga in Kieni, Nyeri county, December 28, 2016, the preacher has been assisting widowers with houses, green houses, water pumps and so far 13 widows have benefited with the housing projects. PHOTO: MOSE SAMMY/STANDARD

I was born in Nyeri County, as the eldest of 12 children. Unfortunately when I was in high school my father passed on and the enormous responsibility of raising and caring for a large family rested on the loving and caring hands of my mother.

She struggled enormously to support us and she occasionally needed help. Such help, financial and otherwise, was forthcoming from my extended family, neighbours and strangers.