Hello from Denver,
I’m back home and reflecting on the wonderful week I spent at the Kibera Girls Soccer Academy. There were many special moments, including the inauguration of the new classrooms. During the celebration, there were many speeches from staff, students, and alumni, but it was Mary’s Dad that really stood out.
Most of the KGSA students are being raised by single moms, aunties, grandmothers or guardians. Their dads are absent, and yet here is Mary’s dad not only advocating for her education but also serving on the KGSA parent committee. His speech was sprinkled with Amens and Hallelujahs, not because he’s a preacher, but because he is so grateful for the school.
Mary’s parents are tailors and lost their shop and home during the pandemic in 2021. They were homeless when Mary finished the 8th grade. She had lost all hope that she would be able to continue her education. Mary’s family was living with friends, barely scraping by when they learned about KGSA.
Not only did KGSA offer Mary a spot in the 9th grade, but she was also offered a place to sleep and three warm meals a day at the dormitory. The school leaders provided Mary’s parents a place to stay and contracted them to sew school uniforms to get their business back up and running.
Mary is now a KGSA senior. She is one of the top students in her class, a talented soccer player, and always has a big smile on her face.
Mary and her family are thriving.
Mary is just one of the 120 girls that KGSA is serving this year. Girls like Mary who had no other opportunity to pursue a high school education. Because of your generosity, these 120 girls are receiving a free high school education and free boarding this year.
Thank you for caring about girls like Mary. We couldn’t do this important work of educating, inspiring, and empowering girls in Kibera without you.