'A Girl is Worth About Six Cows in Our Culture'

Patricia Andersson, Chapter Leader in Portland, Oregon, writes about her experience traveling with DFW to Africa and shares photographs in an in-depth article appearing in the Oregonian. Patricia vividly describes meeting Hellen Nkurayia, a Maasai woman and school principal, and touring her village and innovative school. She describes Hellen's determination to provide Maasai girls with opportunities for education. The article covers other highlights of the DFW spring trip to Kenya and Uganda, including a visit to Friendship Village, BeadforLife's housing project in Uganda and Kenya.

An excerpt from Patricia's article:

We've come to meet Hellen Nkurayia, a Maasai woman and school principal, and tour her village and innovative school. It's a bright purple cinder-block building standing in stark contrast to the mud huts nearby; both can be seen from far afield in the flat, barren landscape that typifies Maasai territory.

Hellen is dressed as colorfully as the surroundings are dull. She introduces us to the reason she has founded this school.

"A girl is worth about six cows in our culture. She can be sold into marriage at the age of 7 or 8 -- even to a much older man -- with no voice in the matter. We are trying to change that practice, and give girls an education instead."

Traditionally, Maasai girls aren't sent to school, or at least not for long. Any money a family has for school fees is used to educate the boys. Hellen wants to see that changed, and has dedicated her school to providing the best education a girl can receive.

You can read the full article, "In Africa, volunteers see their donations benefit women and children," HERE.