My name is Josephine Rotiken, and this is my story. I was rescued from early marriage 14 years ago. In 2006, while in class six and only 12 years old, my father decided to marry me off to one of his friends. Even though I was doing very well in school, he still wanted to marry me off. When I was in class eight, my cousin connected me with Patrick Ngigi, who sponsored her education. He heard my story and agreed to support my schooling and safety. By the time I joined Jomo Kenyatta High School in Nakuru, my father learned about the arrangement and was furious because my dowry payments had already been finalized. The family began pressuring me and threatened to forcefully marry me off during my school holidays. Because of this, I stayed in school for safety and felt very isolated. My mother initially supported me but later had to side with my dad due to pressure and violence at home. It affected me emotionally and academically. Before my final exams, I told Patrick everything, and he assured me I would have a safe place to stay after school. My father later planned to marry me off immediately after my exams, but Patrick arranged to pick me up instead. When I finished my examinations, my father came early in the morning before Patrick arrived. Luckily, I hid from him and waited for Patrick to arrive. Since the deputy principal knew what was happening in my personal life, he told my father to go back on grounds that I had already been picked by Patrick. With the help of the school and the children’s office, I was placed in a safe house after refusing to return home. Eventually, I was able to continue my education. I graduated from Kabarak University with a law degree and am now doing my pupilage at a law firm in Narok. I reconciled with my parents later on. My goal is to start a mentorship program for students.

Hi. It's been a long journey for me, but I must appreciate God and all those who gave a hand to see me through my education to this level. Before I joined high school, I was a hopeless person with no idea about how my future would be. I had lost hope of continuing with my education, although I did well in primary school. I was sure I was going to be married off. It was a dream come true when I received a scholarship through Mission With A Vision. From there, there was no looking back. With my graduation as a teacher, things will change for the better. I am now in a position to help my younger siblings and the needy in the society, given that girls’ education is not valued much in my community. I am grateful, as this has been my stepping stone to a great future that am looking forward to. I am now teaching and able to raise enough money for my basic needs and those of my siblings, given that they are still young and my family is very poor. I know without support I would have been married off many years ago. I am so happy that someone sacrificed his or her hard-earned dollar to see me through school. I plan to make a difference in my society. Teaching is fun and I do enjoy, as I get to interact with many students from different backgrounds and religions. It serves as an avenue for me to encourage them to take their studies seriously for a better future. I am so happy that my future is bright. Thank you so much.

My name is Grace K. I grew up in Majengo slums and went to the local slum school. It was a great struggle for us to stay alive. My mother sold tea and mandazi to make ends meet. My father had deserted us many years ago, and I am grateful my mother struggled so much to take care of us. When I graduated from primary school, I thought that was the end of my schooling. Later, I was admitted to one of the top high schools in the country. I was very, but my joy faded when my mum said she could not afford such a school. Luckily, one of the teachers knew Patrick and knew he was helping girls. She approached him on my behalf. You can Imagine how happy I was when Mission With A Vision wrote to my mother saying they would support me through school. Now I am a nurse and giving back to my society. I am doing what I have always loved most. I thank all those who stood by me to make me who I am today. My plan is to support my community and also give hope to other needy girls like me. I hope people will continue standing by other girls in Maasai community so they are not married off early or do not have to go through FGM.