Protect and Empower Rural Kenyan Girls

Just weeks before the village of Taru was about to celebrate the opening of the new Kenya Keys dorm at Taru Girls’ Secondary School, tragedy struck! A fire swept through the old government-built dormitory destroying everything the girls had. Fortunately all the girls were in class, and no one was injured, but all that remained of the girl’s meager belongings were charred trunks and the clothes they were wearing.  

It could have been so much worse, we know, with all 264 girls crammed into a dormitory built to house only 80. They watched in horror as flames engulfed their home, standing side-by-side, holding hands and with tears running down their faces.  The fire destroyed not only their things, but their dreams of getting an education.  The school closed and all the girls were sent home.

In Kenya, insurance is almost unheard of, so the children were assessed a “fire fee” to rebuild the dorm.  In addition, each student was told they could not return to school unless they brought a mattress, uniforms and books.  These are girls whose families struggle with poverty - having sacrificed so much to get them to school.  Madam Mwakio, the headmistress of the school, was heartbroken as she watched her girls leave, knowing the national exams were in just a few weeks - exams that would determine if these girls had an academic future.  She knew the girls needed to be in school to prepare - they needed a miracle.

Kenya Keys mobilized within minutes of hearing about the early-morning fire.  Our staff in Taru was on the ground helping to put out the fire, with the one fire extinguisher the school had. Our Usalama (girl rescue) Program Coordinator went into action with the headmistress to identify girls with crisis needs, and our Board of Directors in both countries worked furiously to determine how best Kenya Keys could help.

Efforts to finish the new Kenya Keys dormitory went into over-drive, emergency funds were sent to the school to help pay the fees for the seniors who needed to take the exams, and fundraisers were held in the U.S. to raise awareness and funds to support these girls through this critical time.  As they heard the news of Kenya Keys’ support, hope returned.

Thanks to our wonderful, caring contributors and our staff working directly with the school and the Taru community, the girls have returned to school.  All 246 girls are now crowded into their brand new Kenya Keys' dorm built for 120 girls. It is crowded, but the school is open, the exams were taken, and their hope for a better future revived!

The need for funds for these girls continues as many are sleeping on the floor, and have no means to purchase beds or supplies.  Kenya Keys is working with local partners to provide bunkbeds and mattresses, replenish school books, and provide uniforms.  Additionally, because this fire was believed to be arson by someone trying to rob these girls of an education, we are seeking funds to help build a home for the headmistress on the school grounds and security features for the dorm to assure their safety moving forward.

Having the new Kenya Keys dormitory at Taru Girls school made it possible for the girls to return to school. Thank you to everyone who helped to make this dorm, and our emergency response to the fire, possible.  Our staff is continuing to identify the needs and work with the families to assure each girl is supported. Plans are underway to replace the burned dormitory so that every girl will someday have her own bed and space to call her own.

Thank you for helping Kenya Keys to support these girls, not just in rebuilding dorms, but in rebuilding lives.  Together we are able to provide hope - hope for an education that will lead to a brighter future.

Links:

• Watch this video about the Taru Girls' Dormitory Fire