Because every girl deserves a chance to shine
A childhood shaped by loss
Dorcas’ story of hope begins in the Kamatura region of Kenya, where an 11-year-old girl is defying the odds stacked against her. Dorcas Cheplilan was born into hardship. Her father passed away while her mother was still carrying her, and her family has struggled to survive ever since. Yet even in the toughest of circumstances, Dorcas radiates determination, courage, and potential.
A family trapped by poverty
She comes from one of the poorest families in her area. Her five older siblings all dropped out of school. Two of her sisters were subjected to female genital mutilation (FGM) and became pregnant while still children themselves. One of them now stays home, raising her baby. You may have seen her cooking in one of our recent videos—a young girl taking on adult responsibilities far too soon. This is the reality for too many girls in communities where education is a privilege, not a right.
A lifeline through education
But Dorcas’ story is beginning to take a different path. Thanks to the kindness of one of our volunteers and her daughter, Dorcas has been given the opportunity to attend Ortum Girls Primary School. They donated her school uniform and covered her basic needs, allowing her to take her first steps into the classroom. It’s a small act with a huge impact. For Dorcas, education is not just a chance to learn—it’s a lifeline. It’s hope.
Why early support changes everything
We know that early intervention changes lives. When girls are supported at a young age, they’re more likely to stay in school, avoid early marriage, and break free from the cycle of poverty. Dorcas is now waiting for a sponsor to help secure her future. With your support, she can continue to attend school, focus on her studies, and dream about a future beyond survival.
How you can be the difference
Sponsoring a girl like Dorcas does more than cover the cost of education. It sends a powerful message: You matter. Your dreams matter. It tells her that someone, somewhere, believes in her. That belief can be life-changing.
We are deeply thankful to the family who stepped forward to give Dorcas a chance. But her journey has only just begun—and there are so many more girls waiting for the same opportunity. You can be the difference.
Sponsor a girl. Change a life.
If Dorcas’ story moved you, please consider becoming a sponsor. Whether you give once or choose ongoing support, every donation helps girls like Dorcas walk confidently toward a better tomorrow.
Visit https://onewomanatatime.co.uk to learn more, donate, or sponsor a child today.
Together, we can change lives—one girl at a time.
