First Two Girls from Tasaru to Receive GRR funding are Now Employed as Primary School Teachers

Janet Pere and Mary Makije, who were the first girls from Tasaru to receive funding from GLOBAL RELIEF RESOURCES to attend Teachers College in Kenya, are now working as primary school teachers in their home areas.

They both completed college in late July and by early September both of them had jobs! The demand for teachers in Kenya is very high but there were still many challenges to actually finding placement in a school. Now that they are both employed, we will be able to see the benefits of rescued Maasai girls working rather than being married off as children.

The First Two Girls from Tasaru to Receive GLOBAL RELIEF RESOURCES Funding to Graduate from Teachers College in Kenya This Week

On Friday, July 30, Mary Makije and Janet Pere will complete their two years of study at Mosoriot Teachers College and Kericho Teachers College. As certificate holders in primary education, they now qualify for government employment in public primary schools in Kenya.

This is a remarkable achievement! Mary and Janet are the first two girls from Tasaru to complete a post secondary program with the financial support of GLOBAL RELIEF RESOURCES.

Congratulations to Mary & Janet!

AND THANK YOU to Snowmass Chapel in Snowmass, Colorado, Women of Hitchcock Presbyterian Church in Scarsdale, New York and Suzanne Munn of Steamboat Springs, Colorado for their sponsorship donations to GLOBAL RELIEF RESOURCES that made it possible for these two young women from Tasaru to have economic livelihoods. Employed as teachers in Kenya, these two remarkable young women will be role models for other Maasai girls at risk of FGM and forced childhood marriage. And they will help bring about an end to the economic need for these practices.

For information about sponsoring a rescued girl to pursue a post secondary education and job training after she completes high school and leaves Tasaru:

Email me at mewalker99@yahoo.com

Saturday June 5
STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, CO

Open House Luncheon
Kenyan Buffet
Music
Informational Program
Maasai Craft Market

All proceeds will assist a girl from Tasaru Girls Rescue Centre in Kenya to
attend college or start a small business.

For information: gardenluncheon@gmail.com

Secondary School Final Exams Results Due Out Soon!

I am in Kenya right now awaiting the national release of the KCSE exams for three of the girls from the rescue centre. Results on these exams is the sole criteria used in the application process for all post-secondary programs here. The girls' performance, thus, is very much in my thoughts these days as we wait.
I look forward to updating things on the website, and for now simply ask for everyone who has shown so much interest and support for the girls at Tasaru to keep them in your thoughts and best wishes. Thanks, Mary

Christmas is coming

During this Christmas season, there are several ways to assist the girls at Tasaru.
1. Instead of gifts to you, ask your friends and family to make tax deductible donations to the nonprofit fund to assist girls who have transitioned out of the rescue centre after completing secondary school.
2. As a family, donate rather than give gifts to each other.
3. Host a "party with a purpose" during the holidays and ask people to contribute something for Tasaru.
4. Tell your friends and family that you are making tax deductible donations in their names to the fund.
5. In your holiday correspondence, tell people about this blog and include my email address so that people can contact me directly. mewalker99@yahoo.com

At this time of year, to say that "every little bit helps" is NOT a cliche. Thanks to everyone who has done so much, and continues to do so, for the girls at Tasaru!!

The congregation of METHODIST CHURCH OF STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, CO donated towels as Christmas gifts for every girl at Tasaru.

The SILVER SPOON BOOKCLUB is paying for Christmas dinner for Tasaru - a goat, potatos, peas, rice, vegetables, SODAS.

RACHAEL'S GROUP BOOKCLUB donated funds to assist Rachael Seneyian as she transitions out of the rescue centre this year - a cell phone and personal needs.

And the MANY, MANY other individuals and groups who provided financial support, goodwishes, and gifts for the girls at Tasaru this season!!! Thank You... and with deep gratitude, Mary

Mountain HardWear Benefit in Steamboat Springs, CO raises $3000 for Tasaru

On Saturday, October 24 a wholesale of Mountain HardWear gear and clothing raised over $3000 for Tasaru. To put this into perspective, this is enough to send a girl from Tasaru to a two year teachers' college program in Kenya with plenty of funds remaining to put towards other needs of the girls that have completed high school and left the care of Tasaru.

Thanks to Laurie Edwards and everyone in the Steamboat Springs, CO community who helped organize this event and who contributed!

Event at Madison Square Presbyterian Church in San Antonio, TX raises $1800

On Saturday, October 10, a rousing competition of Bunco raised over $1800 for the Global Relief Resources Scholarship Fund. That is enough funding to pay the tuition and costs for one girl from Tasaru to attend her first year of teachers college in Kenya!

On behalf of the girls at Tasaru as they complete high school, leave the rescue centre, and need assistance developing job skills and finding employment in Kenya...

THANKS to Susan Scales and EVERYONE IN SAN ANTONIO who organized and participated in this great event!!!