This year, we have reconciled 10 girls with their families after years of negotiations. Reconciliation is usually a delicate affair because it involves approaching the parents through emissaries to try and bring them to the negotiating table. We usually start the process once we know that the hostility from the family because the girls ran away has subsided.

This, we are able to gauge through our informers in the village. Our 28 years of work have enabled us to have one of the best and complex information network in this region, which feeds us constantly with what is happening in the villages. Once we are sure it’s safe to approach the family, we send an emissary to request a meeting at the local chief’s office. We always have our first meeting at a place that guarantees our security.

The girl is never involved in negotiations since there is always a possibility that a few bad words will be said by the parents, and we are always ready to receive the bashing on their behalf. After negotiations then we are able to take the girl home for a warm welcome, but only when parents sign an agreement where they promise to ensure the girls is safe from harmful cultural practices. On our part, we continue providing school fees and school supplies even after reconciliation.