Filgona’s family was wearing thin. A defining element of Kenyan culture is communal reliance — even in old age, younger family members often take care of their elders rather than sending them to live somewhere else. But Filgona lacks this luxury. All her children have passed away except one, who neglects to care for her. Left without familial care, Filgona must rely on her community for help.

This October, kids and parents from the Maono Light community came to help Filgona with some yard work. She lives alone, and clearing grass and bushes is hard work for her to do alone. Kids, teens, and parents from Maono Light came to spend the day with Filgona, cutting her grass, clipping her bushes, sweeping her home and helping her with other tasks. 

This is community in action. “They’re being taught how to give back and help,” Dorice, a student coordinator, said.

Families create a helping culture not just within themselves, but within their broader communities. Service like this instills in children a shared responsibility to care for one another. In some way, anyone can help. And a community wraps around itself to protect the vulnerable, build up the weak and always be ready to lend a helping hand.