COVID-19 has been a very difficult time in northern Kenya. Families have struggled to find ways to feed their themselves. This has forced some parents to force their daughters into marriage with an older man who provides the family with a large dowery in animals. This is illegal in Kenya, but hard to maintain and report. Young brides are forced undergo FGM (cutting) before marriage which is painful and will make child birth difficult. A few do not survive this procedure.
Thankfully all 10 girls that MEET supports will return to school this January. The need is high and we would like to help more girls. If you can help, please donate any amount this holiday season. This is a gift that will never stop giving.
I recently heard the mayor of San Juan, Puerto Rico, Carmen Yulin Cruz say, “Help a child, and you touch everyone they touch.”
This is very true for our Maasai girls. They are the shinning hope to a better future for their family.
To learn more about what is happening in Kenya. Read the following article about the Samburu in Kenya. The photos are incredible. This tribe is near Laikipia where our 10 girls live. The Samburu and Maasai share the same language Maa, and customs.
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/12/10/opinion/kenya-covid-child-marriage.html?searchResultPosition=1