Author: Rick Morro, Founder, Maasai Girls Rescue Center

It’s hard to believe another year has flown by here at the Maasai Girls Rescue Center. As I sit down to reflect on the past year, my heart swells with gratitude for the incredible progress we’ve made and the unwavering support we’ve received. Our model, combining compassion with strategic action, is truly bearing fruit, and I’m excited to share some highlights with you.

Education and development: Nurturing bright minds

This year has been a testament to the power of education to transform lives. Our girls have achieved remarkable academic success, with many excelling in their studies and embracing new opportunities.

• 29 of our girls in the last 2 years have passed the national 7 Exam with 80%
  receiving a B and the other 20% of the national average. Prior to MGRC rescuing
  these girls 100% never attended school.
• This year we had our first 2 graduates of vocational school in hospitality industry
  and are both employed.
• Mary Daniel, who arrived at MGRC timid and unsure, blossomed into a confident
  young leader, earning top marks in her class and inspiring her peers. She aspires
  to be a University Professor
• We expanded our vocational training programs, empowering girls with skills in
  tailoring, beadwork, farming, and computer literacy, equipping them for a brighter
  future.
• We added 2 teachers for our pre-school and baby class, preparing them to be
  successful in school.

Sustainable future: Building a foundation for independence

Our vision for a self-sustaining future is taking shape. The construction of the ecoLodge is progressing steadily, thanks to the incredible generosity of our donors. This project represents more than just bricks and mortar; it’s a symbol of hope and a foundation for long-term financial stability of this community asset.

• The ecoLodge will generate income and provide valuable hands-on training and employment opportunities for our girls in hospitality and tourism.
• We’ve implemented sustainable practices across our operations, from sustainable farming to water conservation, minimizing our environmental footprint and teaching our girls the importance of environmental stewardship.

Community support and outreach: Expanding our impact

Our commitment to empowering girls extends beyond the walls of MGRC. We’ve deepened our engagement with the surrounding Maasai community, fostering understanding and collaboration.

• This year we funded major projects with the local primary school to: build toilets, administration building, refurbished classrooms, donated 150 desks and chairs, and computer systems. This will impact the local community by improving the educational results for all the children.
• Our older girls volunteered to clean up litter along the roads to their schools and church. Not only did the community improve, but out girls learned the valuable lesson of giving back.

Combining compassion with business acumen: A holistic approach

At MGRC, we believe in a holistic approach that blends compassion with strategic planning and efficient management. We’ve expanded our custom business system to track and improve every aspect of our operations:

• We meticulously manage expenses, budgets, and project timelines, ensuring that every resource is used effectively. This year we will finish the year under budget and achieving all of our education and development goals.
• Our system helps us monitor the academic progress, health records, and individual development plans of each girl, providing personalized support and guidance.
• We track farm production, employment, and HR processes, promoting efficiency and accountability across all departments. Less than 3 acres provides 90% of the food for over 100 people.

As we look ahead to the coming year, I’m filled with optimism and excitement. The progress we’ve made is a testament to the resilience of our girls, the dedication of our staff, and the unwavering support of our donors. Together, we are creating a brighter future for Maasai girls, one filled with hope, opportunity, and empowerment.