Educate & Empower 1200 Girls in the Nairobi Slums

My Dad came in the house and woke me and my mum up and said, "Get ready to go to your new house because it is time to become a women.  Someone is picking you up and he has already paid the dowry (bridal fee). In fact, I have just finished drinking his last beer."  I was only 15 at the time!

I got married as a second wife to my Dad's friend who was 45 years old. Our tradition allows this even though it is not legal. As a woman, I was not supposed to ask anything but simply obey, but in my heart, I wanted to pursue my Secondary Education and become a journalist, but I saw all that get shattered.

I had my first child at age 16 and it was a very painful and difficult birth.  No one was taking care of me since my husband was spending his nights drinking at the clubs with his first wife. This is when I decided to go home.

I was welcomed with alot of hostility from my Dad because I was very sick, but he ended up letting me in.  Three weeks later I met with Peninah (Director of Safe Spaces), through a friend of mine.  I shared all my sorrows, ambitions and challenges I had been facing.  How I longed to go to school and become a journalist.

One week later, Peninah came back to my rescue as I had a hard time convincing my father to let me go back to High School.  With Peninah's help, I went back to school and completed my high school thanks to people like you who support Safe Spaces. I am now living my dream as I am studying journalism through the Safe Spaces program through your support.

I have been trained as a peer educator and I will continue to pursure my studies.  LOOK WHAT YOUR DONATION CAN DO!

Links:

• Basketball Brings Hope to Girls in Slums
• Creating Safe Spaces for Girls in Slums