The harsh reality is there are no safety nets for Maasai girls…no social service organizations, no 911 emergency service, no available government aid. The girls find their way to MGRC because there is simply no other place to go. While each girl who comes to us is unique, with different histories, challenges, and experiences, they all are in desperate need of support.
Sponsorships include a financial commitment, but as a sponsor you give (and receive) so much more. While the staff at MGRC give the girls a loving, healthy environment, a sponsor broadens the girls’ perspective on life and creates hope for the future in so many ways. You serve as an extended family member (think of a cool relative in your own life who helped you). When you share your activities and interests, you help them see opportunities for themselves. When you see their faces light up during zoom call, your heart melts. When they see you being proud of their achievements, their heart expands.
Bahati is one of a group of three sisters living at MGRC. The oldest, Naini, came to us for medical care in February of 2021. Two months later, in April of 2021, Bahati was born and her mother died in childbirth: an unfortunate but common occurrence among Maasai women. At that time we took in the middle child, Suzana, and helped find Bahati a place at a baby house until she was old enough to join her sisters. Now that she is two years old, she has been reunited with her sisters at MGRC.
Careen
Careen was abandoned by her mother, and left with a grandfather and uncle. Unfortunately, she was being sexually abused by her uncle. Social services was called by a neighbor, and Careen was brought to MGRC. She is adjusting to life at the center and is enjoying the attention of her house mother and the older girls.
Naini just joined us this spring. She was removed from her home due to neglect and sexual abuse. She is receiving counseling for her trauma and a lot of love and attention from her house mother. She is confident and outgoing, and gets along well with the other girls.
Naiyai was abandoned by her mother and left with elderly grandparents. The grandfather was in the process of forcing her to marry at 5 years old when social services stepped in and brought her to MGRC. She has been with us for a year and a half and is outgoing and loves to learn. She is doing well in school and has made great progress in learning English.
Namayani came to us 5 years ago after being orphaned. She has thrived at MGRC ever since. Currently in class 6, she is described as disciplined, respectful and responsible. Namayani currently says she'd like to be a teacher.
Sayuni came to us in 2020 after being abandoned by her mother. She is a pleasant girl who enjoys singing and doing puzzles. She is creative and loves to learn new games. Sayuni is currently in class 3 and is a good student.
Simaloi joined MGRC in 2020. She was removed from her home by social services due to severe abuse by her stepmother. During her time at MGRC she has developed confidence and likes to share her thoughts with her house mother and social worker. She is very smart, well-organized and creative. Simaloi is in class 3 and loves school.
Upendo came to MGRC in 2019 in desperate need of medical attention. She was severely malnourished and had tuberculosis. She was also diagnosed with scoliosis, with a significant curvature that unfortunately can't be corrected. When she first came to us she couldn't walk or stand. Now she is able to run and play with the other girls. She is outgoing and happy. She is in class 3 and thinks she might like to be a teacher or an airline pilot.
I sponsor Venosa because I realized my “lot in life” has been significantly determined by the simple fact that I was born in the USA…arguably the richest country in the world. I did nothing to earn this very fortunate situation. Granted I grew up in a great family with loving parents but so much of what was possible for me was because I was born in the USA. 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.
Bruce Hammond
Sponsor
Joyce and I are the proud sponsors of multiple girls. Rick is truly making a difference in these girls lives that would otherwise suffer or die. When considering all the costs of responsibly raising a girl with an education, Rick has done an outstanding job with very little resources. I have known Rick for years and trust that 100 percent of the money I donate will be put towards raising these girls.
Angie & Rob Dutkiewicz
Sponsor
We first learned of MGRC from my friend, Joyce. We were really moved by the story of Rick’s efforts. We started by sponsoring a girl last year, and are now going to sponsor an additional girl this year. Rick, we are in awe of all you have done and all of the girls lives you are changing for the better!