As I sit here reflecting on another year at MGRC, my heart is full. There’s something powerful about watching transformation unfold right before your eyes—seeing girls who society had written off now thriving, competing, excelling.

Our girls are rising

Take Rizziki and Rosie. These two are placing at the top of their class now. The school even asked them to sing traditional Maasai songs at a recent event, and both received excellence awards. Think about that, girls who started behind, who came to us with so little, now leading their peers.

Then there’s Momoi, Armani, Namanyaki, and Neema, all attending vocational school for baking. They’re not just learning, they’re earning high marks and then coming back during school breaks to teach the younger girls everything they’ve learned. That’s the ripple effect we dreamed of.

Faith taking root

Fourteen girls received their Confirmation in November. We now have 39 who’ve completed Confirmation, with another 12 enrolled for next year. Watching these girls grow in their Christian faith, finding strength and purpose in something bigger than themselves—it never gets old.

A team effort

None of this happens without our incredible staff who care for our girls, tend our farm, and maintain our grounds. We regularly hear from Regional and District officials thanking us for setting an example other NGOs can follow. Whether it’s our girls’ academic performance, what our farm produces, or the condition of our facilities…it all reflects the dedication of this team.

The little things that mean everything

Our younger girls are learning English now, and I can’t overstate how much this will differentiate them in their futures. It opens doors that would otherwise remain closed.

And you should see them during their free time now. When they first arrived, we had to practically force them outside to play. Now? We have to call them in for meals and bedtime. That shift from withdrawn to engaged, from fearful to playful…that’s healing in action.

Every girl matters

Alice, Caren, and Tabitha—our most trauma-affected girls—are now attending school, interacting with everyone, and fitting in beautifully. When I think about where they started and where they are now, I’m reminded why we do this work.

And Neema, our special needs young lady, volunteers in the kitchen some days. Other days she helps in the baby house or sits with our beaders who make bracelets, necklaces, and various items for our gift shop at the Maasai ecolodge. She’s found her place, her purpose, her community.

Looking ahead

As Tanzania settles into the New Year, I’m praying for continued peace. For our girls, for our community, for this country that’s given these young women a second chance at life.

Every day at MGRC reminds me that rescue is just the beginning. Restoration, that’s the real work. And it’s happening, one girl at a time.

Rick Morro, Founder
Maasai Girls Rescue Center