Nelson Mandela said that education is the most powerful tool to fight poverty in Africa. In Kuria and Maasai Community, it is the most powerful tool to fight female genital mutilation and early/child marriage.
HOPE for Girls @ VISA focuses on supporting the girls who choose to say NO to FGM through secondary school and university so that they can transition from primary to secondary and from secondary to university.
The selection of girls happens during the rescue and mentorship program that takes place every year where needy and bright girls who have completed primary school are enrolled to the scholarship program.
So far, we have provided scholarships to 110 to transition from primary to secondary school and 18 girls to transition to university. 8 girls have graduated and giving back in the community demonstrating that educating leads to an empowered girl who is able to make a positive contribution to the community. They serve as a beacon of hope and role models for the rest of the girls.
In addition to the scholarship, the girls are also supported with the following for them to thrive in the academics:
- School uniforms.
- Dignity pack.
- Solar lanterns.
- Revision/library resources.
