Girls' Education and Rescue Centers - November 2021 Update
Kenya
In March 2020, schools across Kenya were closed to prevent the spread of COVID-19. This closure included Mother Esther School and Rescue Center where we usually have a population of 156 girls. During the 8 months of lockdown, we were left with only 42 students.
2021 was intended to be a new year, a fresh start after the uncertainty and restrictions of 2020. In November 2020, most of our students were able to return to Mother Esther School after eight months of lockdown in their home areas. In January 2021, we fully reopened with great joy and celebration. However, we have slowly learned that we are not quite finished with the impacts of 2020. The months in risky, remote areas of Kenya left our girls vulnerable to both child marriage and pregnancy. The stories of trauma that have emerged are many, so I will share one with you today.
One of our 7th grade students, Abigail, was sent home during the COVID-19 lockdown like most of her peers. When she came back to school in November 2020, it was soon discovered that Abigail was pregnant. We called her father to let him know, but he refused to believe it. Baba Abigail (Abigail’s father) came to Mother Esther School, and together, we took Abigail to have an ultrasound. Baba Abigail’s eyes filled with tears as the doctor gave him the report that yes, she was pregnant. Baba Abigail asked us to keep his daughter at Mother Esther until the baby was due. He told us that the culture in his village is too powerful, and Abigail would be forced into a marriage if she went home. He wants her to get an education; he wants her to have a chance at the future she desires. Abigail gave birth to a healthy child on May 23, 2021, and both of them are doing well. Abigail stayed with her baby for four months before returning to school. Her mother is caring for the child while Abigail continues to learn. Abigail is committed to finishing school, and her father has become her biggest advocate.
As a community, we remain heartbroken over the impact that COVID-19 has had on the safety of girls across Kenya and around the world. Rates of teen pregnancy, child marriage, and FGM have increased significantly for the first time in years. But even in our heartbreak, we have hope that the work of Mother Esther School is taking root. It is slow work, but we have seen the transformation of men like Baba Abigail. The fathers of our students have witnessed the power of education, and they are becoming the biggest advocates for the education of girls and women.
As we move toward 2022, the greatest needs at Mother Esther School and Rescue Center are:
1) student sponsorships for the 28 girls who will finish the 8th grade in April 2022 and move on to high school
2) a new dormitory (we have reached full capacity in school and cannot accept new students until we have more space)
Grateful for your partnership and prayers,
Lauren Scharstein
Deputy Director of Mission for the PCEA
Read more about Girls’ Education and Rescue Centers HERE.
THE OPPORTUNITY
The Outreach Foundation is seeking gifts to support the mission and ministry of Girls’ Education and Rescue Centers in Kenya. All gifts of any size are welcomed to help build more classrooms and dormitories, build and supply each Linda’s Memorial Library, and provide scholarships to pay for the girls’ boarding and education. You may make a gift HERE or by sending a check to our office.