Dada Wetu: A Home for At-Risk Girls
Donation protected
DADA WETU
"Our Sisters"
Namanyak (nom-un-yawk) is the name i was given by the Massai people living Namuncha, Kenya when i was born; it means "blessing" or "lucky". (Joyce, the woman in the picture above, is the one who named me.) Being the eldest daughter in a privileged, American family, it was evident why they would name me this. Although my family worked among the poor in Kenya, i knew i would never want for food, shelter, water, or education. I am privileged. I am blessed. But this is not the story for the many girls from the Massai people. Not only are they in consistent want for these basic necessities, they are also enslaved to a fear that most women would never imagine. FGM and forced, under-aged marriage.
Massai girls daily face the surreal terror of being sold into early aged marriages (some less than 12 years old), be subjected toFGM, and exposed to any form of STD from their husband, who can have multiple wives. Although these practices are illegal in Kenya, they continue. In a world were women's worth is determined her value in cattle, addressing and countering these injustices seem futile to much of the traditional Massai community.
The Maasai community of Namuncha is one which strives for educational advancement and gender equality. Because of their commitment and compassion, they have been able to gradually build and then recently complete a house for 12 at-risk girls, along with a house mother. However, they cannot move in until they have other necessities such as: bedding, mattresses, bed frames, tables, dishes and cooking utensils.
(the building in Namuncha for the girls)
Dada Wetu (dah-dah weh-tu) in kiswahili means "our sisters" and is the title of the project I started to partner with Namuncha to furnish the house so that they can move into their new home in the loving Namuncha community. Here, they will be able to attend the local Namuncha school. The speed at which these funds are provided is a crucial factor, as these girls race against time for a safe home and brighter future.
"Our Sisters"
Namanyak (nom-un-yawk) is the name i was given by the Massai people living Namuncha, Kenya when i was born; it means "blessing" or "lucky". (Joyce, the woman in the picture above, is the one who named me.) Being the eldest daughter in a privileged, American family, it was evident why they would name me this. Although my family worked among the poor in Kenya, i knew i would never want for food, shelter, water, or education. I am privileged. I am blessed. But this is not the story for the many girls from the Massai people. Not only are they in consistent want for these basic necessities, they are also enslaved to a fear that most women would never imagine. FGM and forced, under-aged marriage.
Massai girls daily face the surreal terror of being sold into early aged marriages (some less than 12 years old), be subjected toFGM, and exposed to any form of STD from their husband, who can have multiple wives. Although these practices are illegal in Kenya, they continue. In a world were women's worth is determined her value in cattle, addressing and countering these injustices seem futile to much of the traditional Massai community.
The Maasai community of Namuncha is one which strives for educational advancement and gender equality. Because of their commitment and compassion, they have been able to gradually build and then recently complete a house for 12 at-risk girls, along with a house mother. However, they cannot move in until they have other necessities such as: bedding, mattresses, bed frames, tables, dishes and cooking utensils.
(the building in Namuncha for the girls)Dada Wetu (dah-dah weh-tu) in kiswahili means "our sisters" and is the title of the project I started to partner with Namuncha to furnish the house so that they can move into their new home in the loving Namuncha community. Here, they will be able to attend the local Namuncha school. The speed at which these funds are provided is a crucial factor, as these girls race against time for a safe home and brighter future.
Organiser and beneficiary
Anne Louise Newton
Organiser
Seabrook, TX
Mark Newton
Beneficiary