Send Four Girls to College - Kibera, Kenya

In October 2013, we set out to raise $10,000 to support a new initiative of St. Vincent's: girls' college education. In three short months, with the help of generous donors like you, we surpassed our goal, raising $10,040 to support Maureen, Violet, Angela and Melissa to pursue their dreams of attending college.

With these funds, St. Vincent can cover the girls' tuition and other school fees for an entire year. This is an amazing step for these special girls, who live in a community where less than half make it through high school.

We thought the best way to thank you would be to have the girls do it directly. Maureen is one of the scholarship beneficiaries and also lives at St. Vincent's Rescue Center in Kibera. Maureen is 19 and was born in Kibera, Kenya. She came to St. Vincent's as a student at our nursery school -- a pioneer of the program. In 2002, just as she was finishing the nursery school program at age 7, Maureen’s mother passed away. Maureen went to live with a woman in Nairobi until the age of 13, when she was brought to live at our rescue center. A bright and passionate young woman, Maureen skillfully balances her new role as a college student, with her ongoing household responsibilities, with an impressive sense of vigor and dedication.

Here's what Maureen had to say about her experience: 

I am Maureen, a beneficiary of Saint Vincent De Paul. Am currently staying at the Rescue House in Nairobi Kenya. I stay there with 20 more children all of whom are supported by the organization. I started staying there in 2008. Thanks to the support of Saint Vincent I am now in the United States International University in my first year. There Is no permanent donor for the society but thanks to the well wishers and donors I am where I am now.

 In the university I am currently taking International Relations. I enjoy my studies a lot there. My favorite class is Spanish class. I plan to take it as my minor. I will be going for my second semester come January. When I complete the three years I would like to be a diplomat to any Spanish speaking country in particular or work with the United Nations in International Community Development in different countries. I really enjoy being in school and I thank God for Saint Vincent and the benefactors and generous donors. I hope I will be able to complete my three years successfully in USIU.

On behalf of Maureen, Violet, Melissa and Angela, we would like to thank you for your support of this unique and importand inititative.