23/05/2026
**SPOTLIGHT** Meet Judy — a resilient, faith-filled, and compassionate leader at Jacaranda!
Judy is an integral part of the Jacaranda team! She oversees the child sponsorship arm of Jacaranda Ministries, ensuring sponsored children are attending school and receiving regular school and home visits. She also manages the waiting list, connecting sponsors with children most in need.
Share with us about your family and upbringing:
“I was born into a family of eight siblings, but I became an orphan at the age of eight. We were separated and taken in by different families, friends, and church members. Life was very hard, and I lost hope. I grew up carrying much bitterness and pain from abusive environments. My schooling was difficult because it was often interrupted by the need to work, but despite the challenges, I was able to finish school. I later married and had three beautiful children. In 2007, during the election violence, my husband was killed in tribal clashes, leaving me widowed with my three children and my nephew who has special needs.”
Why is children’s education important in Kenya?
“Education is important because it gives boys and girls the opportunity to rise above poverty and build a better future for their families, communities, and country. I also believe education helps promote strong moral values. When I was young, I went to school barefoot, without a school bag or proper uniform. I walked many kilometers to get there, and it was a very difficult experience. I do not want children to have to suffer in order to receive an education.”
What is important to you to have in a school?
“I would love a school with ample space, a playground, and spacious classrooms that create a conducive environment for learning.”
jacaranda
