Supporting Girls Education in Rural Kenya

Edna Kaptoyo, member of MADRE's partner organization the Indigenous Information Network (IIN), recently visited the MADRE office to share updates on the work that IIN is anchoring with women and girls in Kenya. When we asked Edna for an update on the Nanyori Shelter Network, she told us that on a recent trip to one of the schools, a teacher told her "These girls always look forward to your visit." Edna was really touched by these words. That's because with your support, IIN is offering these girls more than just school supplies. They are teaching them lessons in self-confidence, motivating them to face challenges, helping them learn from one another, and encouraging them to step up as leaders. "We've become like a big sister to these girls," Edna told us. "And the teachers are starting to see a difference."

And that’s not all. Our partners at IIN are working closely with older girls who have finished their schooling to make sure that they share their experiences with younger girls from their communities. After completing their schooling, the older girls were motivated and encouraged to go to work to help improve their communities. The older girls want to share this and carry it forward to the younger ones. IIN has noted that this process of sharing has helped motivate the younger girls to do well in school so that they can work in their communities too. Recently, IIN met with a group of older girls to brainstorm how this sharing practice can be enhanced further to reach out to more girls in secondary and university levels.

Thanks so much for supporting this important work! With your help, these young girls have the confidence to pursue their education and the support to grow into community leaders.

As the start of the school year approaches here in the US, the young girl students at the Nanyori Shelter Network are also entering their third and final trimester before their final break in November. They are the lucky ones. Most of the girls their age from the pastoral communities of Kenya do not get to attend or complete their primary and secondary education. Many are responsible for household chores while others are forced into marriage as a way for their families to get money from their dowries.

The Indigenous Information Network (IIN) works to support the girls who are at the Nanyori Shelter Network to further their formal education. They also learn about issues affecting their communities such as HIV/AIDS, sexual and reproductive health and rights, as well as female genital mutilation. Most importantly, IIN works at the community level, with parents, grandparents, and leaders, to place emphasis on the value of educating young girls.

With your support, IIN can continue to provide such important training and access to education, as well as offer essential items that the girls may not be able to afford such as school supplies and feminine hygiene products.

Your contribution of $25 can guarantee school supplies and feminine hygiene products to one girl student at the Nanyori Shelter Network for this last trimester of her school year. With $100, IIN can organize a small workshop on sexual and reproductive health and rights. Thank you for your continuous support!