Rescuing Young Brides in Kenya

Summary

The Bride Rescue Project rescues young girls from harmful cultural practices and provides them with education and shelter at the AIC Girls Primary School.

What is the issue, problem, or challenge?

Masaai women living in the Kaiado district of Kenya are massively illiterate. Many girls who enroll in lower primary never stay to complete primary education and therefore secondary education becomes a dream not realized. Cultural prejudices and outmoded practices work against the girl-child due to challenges such as: female genital mutilation, forced early marriages, early pregnancies, domestic work-loads.

How will this project solve this problem?

First and foremost, the girls are educated. They are also taught to express emotions through song and skits—activities that build self-esteem and confidence. Finally, the school works with the students and families to reconcile their differences.

Potential Long Term Impact

Educating young women and developing their self-esteem and self-sufficiency. Assisting young women forced into early marriage to reunite with their families and to encourage mutual understanding.

Project Message

With education comes empowerment. The more women are educated, the more they will be able to make informed decisions, socially and economically.
- Mrs. Priscilla Nangurai, Headmistress of the AIC Girls Primary School

Additional Documentation

This project has provided additional documentation in a Microsoft Word file (projdoc.doc).

Resources