Merry Christmas from your home in Meru! We’re getting ready for the festive season here, and have really been pleased with the work we have been able to accomplish since we last communicated.
To say our centre has been busy, and has had increased referrals since the beginning of December is an understatement!! Things have changed around for us, and it seems that more and more referrals are coming to our centre.
For the first time since our conception, we have been able to provide refuge and protection for girls from Meru who are being forced into FGM (female genital mutilation). December is a month that is often used for circumcision, especially for women, as there is a break from school, and so it is believed to be the best time to circumcise men and women, as they will not lose time in schooling. On December 7, 5 girls were referred to our centre to escape from a woman in the community who was attempting to force them to be circumcised. They found out about our centre and have been supported through shelter and counseling. We have appealed to the government through the local media to assist the girls, and provide them with the protection they need from this illegal act. We hope that more girls will continue to seek shelter and refuge here from us.
As well, we continue to support more and more cases of rape and abuse at the centre. We have admitted another girl for shelter and care post rape, by her employer. She was referred to our centre through her pastor, who heard about us through our media campaign (see more below). She has been treated medically, and has been seen by our counselor, Esther, who is assisting her to heal post abuse.
We again, have been able to assist another girl through our Community Support Programme. Esther was a 13 year old girl who is expectant after being impregnated by a 25 year old man. We found out about her case through a member of the community, who was concerned about her well being after hearing that she has been confined to the hosue by her parents, who are trying to avoid the shame of a pregnant daughter. We worked together with the DCO to assist the girl, and are able to assist not only her, but also her parents, with counselling. The perpetrator was arrested for defilement, and we are hopeful that he will be persecuted by the law, as an example of men who take advantage of young girls within our community.
Our media awareness campaign is going strong. World AIDS day was held on December 1, 2007, and so to advertise the events happening, as well as Ripples International’s work, we had a representative speak on Muga FM, a local radio show. During her talk, she spoke mainly about the work of Tumaini Centre, with information about the centre, as well as contact information to make referrals. We have received many calls stating that people heard about us through the show, and though some are for referrals, many are well wishers stating that they never knew we offered such services and that they were proud we were part of the community.
This weekend is our After Care weekend!! At the centre, we are all so excited and can’t wait to have all of our girls home. We know it will be a busy time, and a full house, and we are all excited that the girls are coming for a sleep over weekend. We look forward to updating you on our trip to Nanyuki next time we talk, and show off pictures of your daughters all having fun together.
On to our Vocational Training School, or more importantly, our very first graduation!! We are so proud of our girls, who graduated from the centre on December 7. We had a wonderful ceremony, with the girls dressed up in beautiful graduation gowns, and their family and friends surrounding them. Our year, we can say, was a success. There were many tears, but those of joy, and too many smiles to count. The girls all wanted pictures with their teachers and friends, and we were so happy about all of the wonderful things they had to say about the school. The girls also completed their exams for certification at a national level for tailoring, and a competency examination in knitting, as well. Our top girl, Mary Gakii, showed the most potential to start her own business, and so we are hoping to empower her with microfinance skills, and business planning skills to work towards her sustaining herself within the community.
As you know, we are so very grateful for all you do, Mum Brenda, and are praying for you during this holiday season. We know that blessings will be upon you for all that you do in your life, but especially for all the girls you have helped in Meru.
MERCY CHIDI
