Joint Initiatives to Mentor Underrepresented Girls In Kenya

A New Partnership Between Chicago and Kenya – Mentorship Program for Kenyan Kuria and Maasai Girls

Girls Education First Foundation is excited to announce a partnership between HOPE for Girls @ VISA (HFGV) and Girls Education First Foundation (GEFF), to launch a mentorship program created to empower girls from Kenya’s Kuria and Maasai communities, and provide them with opportunities to reach their dreams.

The program is designed to support and inspire girls and equip them with skills of becoming resilient.  Girls in these two communities face gender-based violence, early and child marriage, female genital mutilation, menstrual hygiene management and teenage pregnancy — all of which hinder their chances for fulfilling and productive lives.

In today’s world, it is important to invest in the next generation of female leaders. The mentorship program will provide guidance, support, counseling and valuable connections to help the girls overcome harmful cultural practices, and navigate their educational and career journeys.

Mentorship plays a great role in empowering girls, and it helps them to realize their full potential. Success stories from girls that have gone through HOPE for Girls @ VISA’s mentorship program have shown that mentorship programs have a positive impact on girls’ academics and career success. The mentorship program is a safe space for the girls, and improves their self-esteem and confidence.

Scolastica Ghati knew that her fate was to undergo FGM but she had other plans for her future. “With the help of my aunt who was very supportive, I sneaked out of our home and, for three years, went into hiding,” Ghati said. She fled to HOPE for Girls @ VISA rescue center in Kuria East Sub-County.

Now, 29 years old Ghati, has dedicated her life to campaign against FGM and is mentoring other girls who have escaped this ritual.

Through this partnership, we plan to address the unique challenges that girls face and provide them with the tools and resources they need to overcome obstacles and thrive. By using peer mentors who have overcome similar challenges, we create an environment where girls can learn and grow.

Stay tuned for upcoming social media posts where we will share stories from successful peer mentors’ involvement and share more information on how you can get involved in our mentorship initiative. Together let’s empower the next generation of great women in society.

Girls Education First Foundation was established with the purpose of giving girls of all ages access to quality education. We strongly believe that education enables upward socioeconomic mobility and is a key to escaping poverty. The Foundation is taking a holistic approach to ensure that girls living in war-torn, underdeveloped countries, and underrepresented communities have access to safe, equitable, and affordable education.

HOPE for Girls @ VISA is a community-based organization that empowers girls by rescuing them from the dangers of female genital mutilation and support their education so that they become self-supporting. For further information reach us through info@hopeforgirls.or.ke

 

Media Contact

Irmes Dagba-Craven

irmesdc@girlseducationfirst.org

(872)235.8556