Happy International Women's Day

Happy International Women’s Day from the MaaChild Team

To our friends and supporters across the world.

As recently as 10 years ago the life of a Maasai girl in rural Kenya was very much set in tradition. If they were lucky enough to finish primary education then they would look forward to a life of domestic chores or an arranged early marriage and a life away from their family and close community as they moved to live with their husbands family, sometimes miles away from home.

 More recently, the offer of secondary education has provided hope and promise of a different life, while still embracing the Maasai culture. Girls now have the opportunity to study up to the age of 18 and many now go on to further education and even university or forge a role in their own community. Indeed, we have, within our circle of friends in Kenya, a female Chief who runs a refuge for women and provides emotional support to girls in local schools. Our very own Susan, runs our nursery on a voluntary basis as well as working as a volunteer community health worker while supporting her family.

 We have supported 19 Maasai girls through their secondary school journey. When they talk to us about their ambitions they aim high with dreams of Nursing, Medicine, Teaching, Engineering and Surveying among many other careers.

 The cost of a University Education is prohibitive but many go on to attend local colleges and we have seen members of our alumni go on the study Early Years Education, Nursing and Quantity Surveying. But, even those who do not go on to further education have a role to play as they educate their families and their own children.

 The cost of providing a Maasai girl with four years quality education at a safe, well run, boarding school is just under ￡7 per week, ￡350 per year, less than the cost of one take away per month. Could you help to support a bright beautiful Maasai girl?

Please consider a monthly, or one off donation, for a few pounds you can change lives.

Please visit our web site www.maachild .com and follow the link to our Virgin Giving page or contact us at [email protected]. If you are a UK tax payer selecting the Gift Aid option adds 25% to your donation.

‘Asante Sana’, thank you for your time