Valuable Girl: Empower 100,000 Girls in Egypt

Dear friend,

What happens to a child when fear becomes stronger than her will to play, smile, or even open her own hands?

When Ebtisam first joined the Valuable Girl Project, she was only seven years old. Her small fists were always clenched tightly, and many, including her teachers, assumed she had a disability. She was angry, withdrawn, and showed little hope for the future.

But you made sure that wasn’t the end of her story.

Ebtisam was paired with her Big Sister, Howaida, a college student who carried her own burdens. At first, Howaida was hesitant. She wondered, “How can I mentor a child like this when my own life is already so hard?” With the encouragement of our project staff and because your generosity makes this program possible, she found the courage to begin.

Over time, the truth behind Ebtisam’s clenched fists came to light. Her mother explained that at school, children were punished by being struck on their palms with sticks. Ebtisam had endured such pain and fear that she trained her hands never to open.

Howaida was heartbroken, but she did not give up. With patience, she created games and activities to help Ebtisam stretch her fingers and trust again. Month after month, her little hands began to loosen. Nine months later, Ebtisam could open her hands completely. More than that, the angry, withdrawn girl transformed into a child who laughed, played, and even smiled with confidence.

This miracle of healing was not just Howaida’s work. It was yours. Through your generosity, you gave Howaida the training, the support, and the safe space she needed to stand by Ebtisam until the trauma gave way to joy.

Today, Ebtisam’s mother says with gratitude:
“My daughter felt safe and secure for the first time in her life when she met Howaida.”

And Ebtisam herself is a living proof of what your love makes possible: children rising above trauma, discovering their worth, and embracing life again.

It takes only $77 a month to open the door for one girl’s transformation in the Valuable Girl Project. How many girls would you help like Ebitsam to give the gift of healing and hope?

Thank you for your support.