Why I must keep going

Imagine working on something very important to you for several years but with progress which is either slow or difficult to see. And then suddenly in the space of few days everything starts falling into place. And not just for you. Because the work you are doing has a huge impact on others. 

Over the recent weeks, even months, I met with countless mothers, children as well as the elderly. I have listened to their stories of incredible struggles to simply exist – hand to mouth and often going hungry. Children staying at home, mothers and grandmothers constantly looking for casual work which pays very little or pays in food instead of cash so that they can put a meal on the table.

In that situation sending a child to school becomes a huge problem, often an obstacle impossible to overcome. To help you visualise it, here are some price examples:

• £1 = 165ksh (depending on currency exchange)
• Casual work pays 100 shillings per day – on very good cases it might be a bit more, but it is not guaranteed that you will be needed the next day. 
• School uniform costs at least 700 shillings, and always more for a girl than a boy (this price does not include shoes, a sweater, or socks) 
• School fees at a government school are 500 shillings per term
• 2kgs of maize flour which is the most staple part of local diet is 200 shillings

Most families have at least 7 children, often more than 10. I am sure you can do the maths and work out that to send you children or grandchildren to school is beyond reach. In best cases 2 or 3 kids in a family will get a chance but often even they will be forced to drop out. 

My work in Kenya started 14 years ago and whilst I might be struggling myself right now (it is not easy living between two places, always packing my suitcases, being without income, etc.) – I must keep finding ways to continue this work as I am a strong believer that the only way to stop FGM, child marriages, and to ensure a better future for every child is through education. 

Will you help me ensure that more children can go to school? Together we can achieve what now seems impossible. 

#StrongerTogether #children #ChildrensRights #StopFGM #education