In rural villages in Kenya, girls as young as 12 are being pulled from classrooms, robbed of their childhood, and forced into child marriage. It’s hard to believe, but 60% of girls in Baringo are at risk of female genital cutting (FGC) and child marriage.*

‘If I had the opportunity I would end early marriages in my community. Girls deserve a chance to play and attend school.’ 

Happiness**, Grade 4 Scholar — The eldest of 5 children, who was rescued from FGC and supported by So They Can to stay in primary school.

So They Can’s community-based social workers, and Champions, are deeply rooted in the villages where girls are at the highest risk. By building trust with families and schools, they provide targeted support to keep girls in school, not in marriages.

One example of So They Can’s support in 2025 comes from St Clare’s Primary School in Kenya. Here we are currently supporting 19 at-risk girls, previously at huge risk of FGC and child marriage, to continue with their education. We recently sat down with some of the girls who are residing at the school’s boarding facilities — here’s some of what they shared:

‘When I grow up, I want to become a doctor. I want to help the sick. especially children in my community so they can be able to attend school.’

Lightness**, Grade 4 Scholar

‘I used to wake up at 4 am wash my clothes and prepare for an hour and then leave home at 5 am. so that I can be in school by 7 am, now I don’t have to wake up early and walk a long distance. I didn’t have time to do homework because I had to walk long hours back home and there was also a lot of house chores to be done. Now I can read at night after class and do homework. I love this school because the teachers are friendly and also, we get to eat a healthy diet.’ 

Mercy**, Grade 4 Scholar

‘If I didn’t join school, I probably would be at home fetching water, washing clothes and collecting firewood.’

Lucy**, Grade 3 Scholar

“I wasn’t able to read at night back at home because there was no electricity, but I can now read and do my homework comfortably at night here in school.’

Jane**, Grade 6 Scholar

Make today the day you link arms with So They Can as we work to support girls’ education and empowerment across Africa. Together, we can help turn their dreams into reality. Join us as a student partner, become an advocate and use your voice on social media, or sign up to our 1inamillion campaign!

*Without offical government data available, this estimate is based on the ancedotal evidence of our team working in Baringo.

**The names of the girls in this story have been changed for privacy and protection reasons.