Written by, Mary Flieller

Meet Venossa: One of 17 Girls Waiting for a Sponsor

When Venossa’s mother died in childbirth, she had nowhere to go. No family member could nurse her, support her, or raise her into adulthood. Fortunately, she was brought to Neema Village for the first two years of her young life. Once she turned two, Social Services brought her to Maasai Girls Rescue Center (MGRC). I became her sponsor shortly after.

While she has never known her biological family, she has received love from many along the way, first at Neema Village, then at MGRC from the staff, house mothers, and me. Venossa turned 6 on June 15 and is a cute, energetic youngster who is curious and smart. She loves learning and is already adept at using laptops and tablets.

With only three or four years under my belt, I consider myself a newbie as sponsors go. Many of our loyal sponsors have been supporting the girls since Rick Morro founded MGRC in 2017, and many of them have “adopted” multiple girls, a generous act of kindness we are forever grateful for. Now several of those longtime sponsors are getting ready to retire from their roles, so we have 17 girls who need your help. They range in age, but each one has a story that could melt your heart.

Why Do People Choose to Become a Sponsor?

Everyone has their own personal reason for becoming a sponsor. A few people fall in love with a girl they met while visiting MGRC. Others read about our mission and the progress we’re making to help girls break the cycle of poverty and become financially independent. They want to be part of the solution.

Others are touched by an individual story of a girl who’s been dealt a hard hand: child marriage, emotional and physical abuse, or severe medical conditions. They can’t fathom that a girl as young as three, raped by her own uncle, might have to face that situation again if not rescued. Still others realize that most Maasai girls are treated as a commodity and traded like cattle, and by sponsoring a girl, they’re giving her dignity, respect, and a future filled with potential and independence.

Why I Chose to Sponsor a Girl

My reason for becoming a sponsor hasn’t changed. I realized my “lot in life” has been significantly determined by the simple fact that I was born in the USA, one of the richest countries in the world. I did nothing to earn that. Granted, I grew up in a great family with loving parents, but so much of what was possible for me came down to where I was born. And while things aren’t perfect, Americans are more fortunate than most.

Equally, the girls at MGRC did nothing to deserve being born into sheer poverty with little to no opportunity. As a sponsor, I can share a little of my good fortune with one other person.

What Does It Take to Be a Sponsor?

The financial commitment that comes with sponsorship is real, and it can be long-term, since some girls come to us as young as two years old. We recognize this is a big give. But there’s a lot of receiving, too, if you want it. While the staff at MGRC give the girls a loving, healthy environment, a sponsor can broaden a girl’s perspective on life by sharing your own stories, experiences, and interests.

As a sponsor, you’ll receive regular updates on how your girl is doing at school and church, with friends, and in her achievements. A note from you congratulating her wins or offering a word of encouragement generates smiles and a happy heart. Some sponsors have the means to visit their girls at MGRC. Others set up video calls. And we have sponsors who provide financial support only, which is perfectly fine too. Either way, the girls are forever grateful for your generosity. The choice is yours.

On the Fence About Sponsoring? Here’s What to Know

If you’re reading this far, chances are you’re already weighing it. That’s a good sign, not a hesitation to talk yourself out of. Here’s what tends to come up most:

What does it cost?
Sponsorship is $180 per month. That figure covers a real share of what it costs to run the Center, including housing, food, education, and healthcare for your sponsored girl.

How long is the commitment?
For as long as your girl is a resident at MGRC. Some girls arrive as toddlers, others as teenagers, so the length varies. You can always talk with our team about what feels realistic for you before you commit.

What if I can’t visit Tanzania?
Most sponsors never do, and that’s completely normal. Letters, emails, and video calls carry just as much weight to a girl who knows someone on the other side of the world is thinking about her.

What if I’m not sure I can commit to just one girl long-term?
That’s fair, and it’s not all-or-nothing. If a full sponsorship feels like too big a first step, you can support the Unsponsored Girls Fund instead, which covers food, clothing, medical care, and basic supplies for girls who don’t yet have a sponsor.

Ready to Sponsor Your First Girl?

All that’s needed is an open heart, a desire to help Maasai girls break the cycle of poverty, and the financial means to support a child. But sponsorship isn’t for everyone, and that’s okay. We have many other ways you can support the girls and staff at MGRC.

If you become a sponsor, I can promise you this: your heart will melt every time your girl’s heart expands with pride as she achieves her goals.

If you’re already a sponsor, thank you. You’re making a huge difference in your girl’s life. Please share this post with friends and family who might want to share in the joy of sponsorship.

To learn more about becoming a sponsor, click here.
To learn about other ways to support the girls, click here.