Rescuing 100 girls from early marriages in Kenya

Mss Apio is an 17 year old girl. She is form 1 in a near by secondary school. Set stays with her father's sister. During the August Holiday, she indulged in unprotected sex and became pregnant. She never new about her pregnancy till when we conducted pregnancy test. Juhudi Children staff had a discussion with her guardian about the situation. The guardian was furious and wanted the girl to go back to her father immediately. When the girl was consulted about what would happen, she refused to the idea of going back to her father home. ‘There I would be married off immediately. I am safer here' Mss Apio said. Juhudi Children staff have now held discussion with the father and guardian and an agreement reached about her safety. She will stay with her guardian and resume school once she has delivered. The 17 year old boy who impregnated her together with his parents have also agreed to take care of the baby. This has been a very challenging moment as it is a very sensitive endeavor. Juhudi is happy that the process was successful and Mss Apio is safer. Juhudi did organize a community meeting for the girls and their mothers/guardians to discuss the issue of early marriages and schooling for girls. The girls shared their concerns especially when they get pregnant at home. They feel unprotected. Mothers said there are many challenges facing their daughters. One such case is on high demand by the girls to want so much to look like modern girls. Mothers said, domestic resources are scarce to support their daughters demand. By the end of the one day meeting, both the girls and mothers agreed to create more time to meet and share information at the home level and quarterly organize a joint community meeting. Juhudi want to thank you for your continued support which has seen girls benefit from your donation. 3 Rescued girls did their examination this year and will be hoping to join secondary school in 2011.' I thanks Juhudi for ensuring that I have done my Class eight National Exams' Betty We wish you all the best during Christmas and new year celebrations.