Esther is one of many young Maasai girls in Kenya “rescued” from an early marriage. Her story portrays the struggle between conservative beliefs and the individual rights of young girls in the Maasai community to education.

The Narok Peace association, through the leadership of Joshua ole Kaputah, has played a big role in rescuing Maasai girls from early marriages and female genital mutilation practices. The girls are then taken to Light of Life children’s center in Kajiado, a place they call home. Most of these girls do not have the opportunity to go to school as their culture does not value education especially for girls. They rely on well-wishers to support them with food, toiletries, school fees, and other psychological needs including guidance and counselling sessions so that they can grow holistically.

Bible Society of Kenya and A Hand of Friendship partnered with Narok Peace association to give food, writing materials, sanitary towels, and Bibles to the girls at the center on October 1st, 2020. The girls were overjoyed at the love and kindness they had received from the three organizations. The colourful event was full of singing and dancing of Maasai gospel songs which saw the guests join in the fun.

The founder of Light of Life Children’s Centre Mrs. Eva Nakola thanked all the partners for their generosity to the girls. She noted that she was herself a rescued girl, which resulted in her passion to support Maasai girls who were facing the same challenge so that they could get an education and better their lives. She started the center with one girl and it later grew to 210 girls since its inception four years ago. The girls have progressed up to University level and others are working. Currently, there are 31 girls, the youngest being nine years old.

The General Secretary Mrs. Elizabeth Muriuki lauded Eva for the noble work she is doing to support the girls. She encouraged the girls to know that they are special before God and they have a bright future ahead. She talked about the Bible Society of Kenya programmes noting that they are aimed at transforming people’s lives holistically adding that the Bible gives people direction in life.

Miss Susan Ndiang’ui, a Programme Coordinator at Bible Society of Kenya gave a motivational talk to the girls where she reminded them that they are important to God and their future is in God’s hands. She urged them to use their talents, spiritual gifts, experiences, personalities, and skills to make an impact as God uses what we have, to make a difference.

The girls were exceptionally happy to receive Bibles as this would help them grow spiritually.

Here are some testimonies they shared

“I am grateful for this Bible. I am in expecting to do my final exams and this Bible will help me so much in my revision. My favorite scripture is Psalms 37:1-7.” Everlyne Peyiai-Class 8

“I am happy to receive a Bible today. The past will not control my future. I have the weapon and it will help me be an example to my community.” Blessing Tarayai-Form 1