My name is Rose, and I am the founder of Bethel Widows, a community-based Organization that helps widows and orphans live better and more secure lives. We train our members in skills like hairdressing, tailoring, soap making, and making items like shopping bags and children’s clothes to help them earn a living and become independent. I am especially thankful to Dianah Kamande, founder of the Come Together Widows and Orphans Organization, for her support and encouragement. Together, we are taking small but important steps to create a brighter future for widows and orphans in our community.
Phaustine Wekesa
My name is Phaustine Wekesa, and I am widowed. On December 27, 2007, at 12:00 p.m., my husband was cruelly assassinated by campaign men during post-election violence. Following his death, I was falsely accused of knowing who killed him and forced to sleep with his body, which I refused. My mother-in-law then chased me away, leaving me with my two children and two others at home with my husband’s family. With nothing but hope, I relocated to Nairobi, where I had no place to stay, no work, or business. A close friend taught me how to make curtains, and with this talent, I was able to pay my rent and locate a place to live. Later, I got to know Dianah Kamande, the founder and executive director of the Come Together Widows and Orphans Organization (CTWOO). She Encouraged me to form the Widow group, and via the group,
I learnt about table banking. We eventually met with the government and received funding from NGAAF, allowing us to grow. We can now pay school fees, rent, start businesses, and acquire loans from Brook Bank thanks to your help. We have come a long way, and I am grateful for the opportunity we have had.
Narok widows chapter (narok west women sacco)
Dairy production business
We are the Narok West Women SACCO Chapter, working under Brook Bank since 2020. We are a group of women from Narok West who came together through our SACCO to improve our lives and support our families. With the help of the Global Fund for Widows, we’ve started income generating projects like renting out tents and running a dairy business called Mulot Koogers. These projects have helped us pay university fees for seven children, transport goods for our businesses, and even use our truck to sell sand for extra income. While we are not yet fully licensed, we have trained in making yogurt and other milk products, which we now sell locally and hope to expand. We also plan to open an animal feed store to support farmers and help their children get a better education, just like other children.
Mark David Nyangi
CTWOO Educational program beneficiaries
My name is Mark David Njangi. I am 14 years old and currently enrolled in Form Two at Kitui Boys High School. I was recently forced to stay at home for two weeks since my mother couldn’t afford my school fees. She has been struggling to pay my fees since last year, and it has become even more difficult because my brother has been ill for long time. It was a difficult time for my family, but I am extremely grateful to CTWOO for stepping in and covering my school costs. Thanks to their encouragement, I am now back in school, studying hard, and optimistic about my future. May they be blessed for making a difference in my life.
Janet Mwihaki
Gender-Based Violence.
My name is Janet Mwihaki, and I am a passionate born-again Christian with a great love for God. Life hasn’t been easy, but I’m thankful for His grace and strength. After graduating from school, I married and had three children, who are now 15 and 20 years old. However, my marriage was damaged by domestic abuse, which had a significant impact on my life. Things worsened with the birth of my second child, and I was eventually forced to leave my house due to unrelenting physical assault. One awful day, my spouse assaulted me, stabbing me three times in the back and stomach. I spent three months in the acute care unit and one year in the burn unit healing from my injuries. Despite these obstacles, I managed to rebuilt my life by creating a little shop, which allowed me to support my children and pay their school fees.
I am extremely grateful to Dianah Kamande, the founder and executive director of the Come Together Widows and Orphans Organization (CTWOO), for entering my life and improving my circumstances. CTWOO has totally supported my eldest son, Tony, who is in Form Four, greatly reducing my load. However, my younger son, Maina, who is in Form One, still does not have a sponsor, and I am hoping that someone would step forward and help him complete his education. I am extremely grateful to CTWOO for their constant support and for allowing widows like me to rebuild our lives and those of our children.
Beyonce Adhiambo
CTWOO Educations beneficiaries.
My name is Beyonce Adhiambo, and today I am overjoyed to be joining Form One at Bishop Gatimu Kinyona Girls’ Secondary School. This opportunity has been made possible by the incredible support of the Come Together Widows and Orphans Organization (CTWOO), who have generously paid my school fees. Words cannot fully express how grateful I am for their kindness and dedication to changing lives. Because of them, I have the chance to pursue my education and build a brighter future. I am truly thankful for the amazing work they have done for me .
Nairobi Office
1st Floor, Room 110, Blessed House, Thika Superhighway Next to Astrol Petrol Station