Lighting Up One Candle That Lights Up Others
At just 19 old, Faith Boke was fortunate to have parents who fully supported her decision to say NO to the harmful practice of female genital mutilation. Faith’s story highlights the importance of family support in the face of deeply rooted cultural pressures, reminding us that the journey toward ending FGM is one that request courage, awareness and collective action.
While in school, Faith Boke faced immense pressure to undergo female genital mutilation (FGM), a harmful cultural practice that many of her peers succumbed to. However, her mother, who had endured FGM herself, was determined that Faith and her sibling would not face the same fate. Her mother’s strong support motivated Faith to dedicate herself fully to her education.
Thanks to the financial and educational support of organizations like Girls Education First, Faith was able to attend sessions through HOPE for Girls @ VISA and the Alternative Rite of Passage (ARP). These programs provided her with crucial training on the negative impacts of FGM, child rights, and equipped her with decision-making and assertiveness skills—building the foundation for the empowered young woman she is today. With the guidance and resources made possible by Girls Education First, Faith excelled in her studies, graduating from secondary school with a B(plain), and is now pursuing a degree in International Relations at the Catholic University of Eastern Africa.
During the time before she started university, Faith actively participated in school-based mentorship programs within Kuria, where she encouraged girls to prioritize their education and resist the pressure to undergo FGM. In one of her mentorship sessions, Faith shared a powerful message: “FGM may seem like a quick path to marriage, but it leads to a lifetime of poverty. Education, on the other hand, will elevate you in society, earning you respect not only in the village but also in the city.“
Thanks to the ongoing support from Girls Education First and similar organizations, Faith is now a beacon of hope in her community. She continues to inspire other girls to stand firm against FGM and focus on their education, showing that transformation truly begins with one girl at a time.
About Girls Education First
Girls Education First Foundation is a national nonprofit dedicated to empowering underserved girls by partnering with grassroots organizations to provide meaningful educational opportunities. Our mission is to break down the barriers and biases that limit access to education, ensuring that girls and young women can develop their emotional and life skills. By opening doors to education, we aim to create lasting change, equipping the next generation of leaders with the tools they need to succeed.
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.
Contact: Deborah Hurwitz
Public Relations Coordinator
Girls Education First Foundation
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