Teso, 64, Ethiopia

Teso thinks she is about 64. She is a widow who cares for five children, a two-year-old grandchild and another infant whose parents have died. (c) Jeff Williams/HelpAge International

Describing her daily routine she says: "Every day I fetch water and go to the bush to collect firewood. Sometimes I am able to sell some wood at the market.

"I also collect roots that I can sell and use to make plates and to decorate pots. The most difficult chores are fetching water and collecting firewood."

"Without water, we would be dead in two months"

With the money she makes, Teso buys clothes, food and materials to decorate her pots and plates. Of course, she also cooks for and looks after the seven children in her care.

With help from HelpAge and Action for Development, a local NGO, a 50m³ reservoir, water point and cattle trough has been constructed near to where Teso lives.

A new generator had also replaced the obsolete government generator that had worked from time to time but often broke down.

When residents still have water in their own "haro" or water ponds they use this. But when these dry up, they can now use well water.

Teso said: "If the haro dries up, we would be dead in two months. The haro is not enough for everyone who lives here."

Sitting on a stool with one of the children on her lap, Teso demonstrates how she strips away the bark of the root to reveal a strong, rope like material. This is what she uses to make things.

"I show my children how to make things so they can earn some money too."

"There is less rain now and we cannot grow anything"

"I think education is important. As a single older mother, there is no option other than education. I will struggle for my children to get educated."

Teso added that HelpAge is the first organisation that she had heard of that works for older people. She said: "I am glad that you haven't forgotten us."