Mercline's Story

“My name is Mercline and I am in grade 8.  I am 13 years old.  I would like to say about my story. According to my family it is hard to get school fees and since I started my school I just started by learning. I also chose to play tennis because I play tennis in order for it to improve my future so that I can help my parents and if for example if I don’t have anything, they (Sadili / Girl Power) can help me so I can get what I need”.

“My dad does juakali, my dad used to work with those iron sheets.  If he sells them, he gets money in order for him to help us.  My mum makes stones for cooking.  I would like to be in secondary next year, form one, so that I can remove some stress related to my parents.  When we all sit at home we are not happy because they are just quarrelling or they not talking to one another”.

“I would like to say that in our home it is hard to get some things.  It is hard to get school fees to pay for school.  It is hard to get food.  It is hard for my parents to get money, for them to provide us with what we need.  I would like to tell you so that you may help me so that I can get education and learn how to protect myself and my family”.

Written by Hannah Collins, volunteer at Girl Power

Approved by Dr Liz Odera, Director at Sadili Oval Sports Academy

Nazarene Girls' Stories

The girls of Nazarene Girl Power make an impressive bunch as they all line up in their matching uniforms ready to sing a welcome song to their visitors.  Afterwards the group gather around to talk about how Girl Power works in their schools. “There are about 36 girls in our Girl Power club” says chairlady of the Nazarene Girl Power group, Mildred.  Mildred is also the head girl at her school, a great achievement to be in both roles.  Girl Power has been active in this school for two years and the school has put aside time each week for the girls to undertake Girl Power activities once a week, based on the programs running which have been introduced by Jayoung and Hazel May.

When asked what are the most important things they have gotten out of Girl Power, there is a flurry of answers. “Being good at taking care of ourselves”, “how to know yourself as a woman”, “being empowered!” are just some of the answers thrown forward.  Mildred elaborates.  “Being empowered means that standing on your own position.  Like for example, if a boy wants you to have sex with him, when you say ‘no’, let your no be no.  This happens a lot to us.  You will find you are sitting together and one will have negative emotions and the other one positive.  We have found that a lot of boys want sex, but we know we can say no and feel OK”.  “It has taught us that if we see someone in trouble, we shall just offer advice and help.  For example, when it is the case of a friend, you should just advise her how to do it and how to protect herself” another girl ventures.

Through Girl Power they have learnt to play a lot of sports.  Netball, Football, Swimming, Tennis, and Golf are the favourites of the girls.  Sadili Oval Sports Academy has played a large role in giving these girls the opportunity to explore these sports as well as other skills.  “The Girl Power activity was last held on April 15^th to 20^th and we all went” says Mildred. “The best thing about that was that we learned how to be Goal Champions, and we leant the money savvy module. It’s very important to know how to look after your money”. These skills will definitely be needed as the girls grow up, with all of the girls having fantastic ambitions.  “I want to be a lawyer” ventures one girl shyly.  “A journalist, a surgeon, a marathon runner, a nurse, a gynecologist, a lawyer” are the other answers that come flooding. 

These girls certainly have a bright future if they can continue with their study at school.  You can help by donating at http://www.globalgiving.org/projects/inspire-22-girl-power-clubs-in-kenya-become-leaders/

Written by Hannah Collins, volunteer at Girl Power

Approved by Dr Liz Odera, Director at Sadili Oval Sports Academy

Preckcydis's Story

Preckcydis has just two more years of primary school at Nazarene to go. High school is definitely on her agenda. “I want to be a doctor when I finish school.  I would like to treat people so that they would not be sick and I don’t like to see people die.  I like to play football and be involved with people, and telling jokes.  I like to paint but sometimes I can paint bad or sometimes I can paint good.  I do not know”.

“Girl Power has helped me to know more about football and how I can live and how a girl can protect herself from dangers.  Dangers we face are things like rapes, kidnap”

“I live in Kibera, just down there.  It takes me 20 minutes to reach home from school.  I live with my father.  My mother died in 2005 when I was still little.  I have one brother, who is in form four.  He is finishing his study this year and next year he is going to University”.  We wish you luck achieving your own university dreams Preckcydis!

Preckcydis is pictured on the left with two of her friends.

Written by Hannah Collins, volunteer at Girl Power
Approved by Dr Liz Odera, Director at Sadili Oval Sports Academy