Caring for the whole family

Good morning. I am Rashad Sayed, also known as Um Hashem. I am 46 and live in the Haqura quarter of Fayum with my husband Sayed, who is 52, and our four children We have two boys, Hamada, 23, and Ahmed, 8, and two girls, Samah, 20, and Basma, 16.

My husband has been unemployed since he was injured when he was in the army. I have to take care of the whole family.

Early in the morning, I dress Ahmed, prepare his breakfast and send him off to school. Then, I run to the roof to check on my vegetable garden. It's money I've made from the garden that has paid for my son's schooling.