A Story of Bravery: Grace’s Journey

Grace (name changed for privacy) is a resilient 16-year-old girl who has overcome immense challenges in her young life. She is the third-born in a family of eight siblings, living in a rural community with deeply entrenched traditions. Growing up in a polygamous household, her mother was one of four wives, and the family often faced hardship and instability.

Her childhood was overshadowed by her father’s struggles with alcohol and the resulting family tensions. Grace’s mother endured years of hardship, often seeking refuge with relatives to escape the challenges at home. The lack of stability meant that Grace and her siblings missed out on education and opportunities to thrive.

In her community, harmful practices such as early marriage and cultural rituals imposed on young girls are still prevalent. Grace and her siblings faced the threat of these traditions, which would deny them the chance to pursue education and shape their own futures.

One night, when plans were being made to enforce these traditions on Grace and her sisters, she found the courage to take a stand. She quietly left her home and walked to the local Chief’s office to seek help. The Chief acted immediately, alerting authorities and intervening to stop the plans, safeguarding Grace and other young girls in her family and community.

While her actions brought safety, they also resulted in her being ostracized by her family. With nowhere to turn, Grace was directed to the local coordinator of our charity, who ensured she was placed in a safe environment and enrolled in school. Over time, she found a new path, attending Ortum Girls’ School and later continuing her education at Psiywo Comprehensive School.

Today, Grace is a role model for her peers, inspiring other young girls to pursue education and reject harmful practices. Despite her father’s refusal to support her, Grace remains focused on her dreams. Her courage and determination to overcome adversity and embrace education shine as a testament to her strength.

Grace is now seeking sponsorship to continue her education and build a brighter future. Your support can help her achieve her dreams, empowering her to not only change her life but also become a beacon of hope for other young women in her community.

Your sponsorship will provide Grace with the opportunity to access education, a safe environment, and the tools she needs to create a better future. Together, we can stand with Grace and many other girls like her, helping them shape their own paths.

Reported by Moses Lokeris, OWAAT Kenya Coordinator & Sponsorship Programme Lead