RESCUE 10,000 KENYAN GIRLS AT RISK OF HORRIFIC FGM

During this quarter Cherish Others continued to focus on its programs in Transmara to fight FGM and to empower girls.

However, in this report we must convey the very sad news that the grandmother of Ruth, the Director of Cherish Others, passed away.  Ruth was extremely close to her grandmother because she played a central role in helping raise her.  Ruth therefore took the lead to plan the funeral and the celebration of her grandmother’s life, which took place in Transmara.

The great outpouring of support from the community reflects the esteem in which her grandmother was held, but also reflects the degree of support which Ruth has in the community because of the activities she has undertaken through Cherish Others. 

The photos provide a sense of this large community gathering.  Community gatherings for ceremonies such as funerals, weddings, etc. always provide opportunities for community members and elders to discuss community issues.  Members of the community use these events as opportunities to give advice and to express their hopes and concerns to the elders. At this time, the community is particularly concerned about the soaring rate of inflation, which has particularly affected prices of daily staple foodstuff.  The inflation also affects families’ ability to support education and empowerment for their children. Ruth used the opportunity to talk about the work of Cherish Others and expressed her appreciation for the great support which she receives from the community.  She explained that donations provided by donors through GlobalGiving are vital to sustaining the work.

Photo 1 shows part of the community gathering.  Photo 2 shows Ruth with community elders participating in the celebration of life.  Photo 3 shows a woman holding a picture of Ruth’s grandmother, with Ruth’s mother Grace standing next to that woman.  Ruth is between the two. Photo 4 shows Ruth speaking at the ceremony.

Our activity the past quarter highlights our support for the empowerment of girls by assisting with their education.

At the beginning of each year, when school starts in the Transmara, parents are burdened by the many basic needs their children require in order to attend school.  Paying tuition, and buying books, shoes, school supplies, and book bags becomes a real hardship. 

School uniforms are the most expensive items which parents must buy.  Uniforms are required in Kenyan public schools. Cherish Others helped some parents by supporting them to acquire the uniforms for their children.

Cherish Others again expresses its appreciation to our donors.  Your supports makes our work possible.