It is estimated that >60% of Tanzanian Maasai girls are married before age18. Osotuwa Foundation's vision will end this practice through education. They deserve hope for a future of their own choosing. Donations support Maasai girls in secondary school and beyond, enabling them to prepare for a vocation. Help us fulfill their educational dreams, realize their full potential and better support themselves, their families and communities. Osotuwa Foundation, Inc. is a U.S. 501c3 nonprofit.
Maasai girls are promised in marriage, sometimes before birth, to men old enough to be their grandfathers. Daughters are a commodity, sold into marriage in exchange for a few cows after primary school, at ages 12-14. In contrast, cows are sold to send boys to secondary school. Osotuwa Foundation is changing the thinking of the Maasai elders, convincing them that childhood marriage is wrong, and that their daughters deserve hope and the ability to choose their future.
Osotuwa Foundation is promoting gender equality through education by giving the same opportunities to the Maasai girls as are afforded to boys. Ten years ago, Osotuwa Foundation's founder, Isaya, rescued his 13-year-old sister after she was sold into marriage, was pregnant and was being abused by her husband. He then supported her in secondary school and college. Increased funding is needed as the mindset of Maasai elders is changing with more than 100 girls coming to us each year for help.
Maasai girls are gaining the hope and future they deserve and creating long lasting generational change for the Maasai. Women already play a valuable and respected role in their families, but they are now being given the chance to decide their own future, marriage and careers. The Maasai women are also contributing to the socioeconomic stability of their families and people. Educated and confident, these women stand alongside Maasai men as stronger role models for their children.
This project has provided additional documentation in a PDF file (projdoc.pdf).
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