During our June outreach in Tanzania, we witnessed something extraordinary: communities increasingly taking the lead in creating healthier, safer futures for their children.
A Safe House and a New Future
One of our greatest joys was visiting the girls at our Maasai Safe House in Nainokanoka.
Today, 21 girls are receiving protection from the risks of female genital mutilation (FGM) and child marriage while continuing their education.
This June, another young girl arrived seeking refuge from a forced marriage. She became our twenty-first scholarship student. Perhaps even more encouraging, parents who once saw little value in educating daughters are becoming some of their strongest supporters.
A Community Celebrates Change
More than 90 Maasai men and women gathered to welcome our team with traditional songs and dancing, celebrating the educational, health, and economic opportunities strengthening their families.
Young Maasai warriors who participated in our HIV education program also expressed their commitment to healthier futures and encouraged girls to complete their education before marriage.
New Livelihoods, New Opportunities
Fifteen traditional birth attendants who participated in community education made the courageous decision to stop performing FGM.
To help provide alternative income opportunities, donor support made possible the purchase of 50 goats and sheep for these women and others. Veterinary training will help them develop sustainable livestock businesses.
Keeping Girls in School
Our volunteers also delivered 650 washable menstrual kits to Maasai schoolgirls and postpartum kits for 35 new mothers.
Although unexpected customs restrictions prevented many of our planned medical clinics, our team expanded its focus on preventive health education and community support.
The greatest success was not the number of classes taught or clinics provided. It was witnessing communities embrace change themselves.
That is the kind of change that lasts.
Thank you for making these opportunities possible.
