Meet Mary & Agnes

Mary and Agnes arrived to Grace Nanana when they were 5 and 6 years old. Their mother had been subject to an arranged marriage as a child, and when her husband became mentally ill his parents decided Mary & Agnes would be circumcised and wed. 

The local area Chief learned of this plan and brought them to Grace Nanana in secrecy, where they were taken in immediately. Finally enjoying physical and psychological safety, Mary and Agnes were able to begin their education with hopes for the future, and their mother was introduced to another local nonprofit that helped her start a small business. The girls are now pursuing their interests, meeting other girls who are succeeding in school and continuing to higher education, being introduced to computers and technology, and even participating in a local children’s radio talk show. 

Now in Grade 7 and 8 at Grace Nanana, they have books in their arms and not children. They have big dreams for themselves and their mother – both girls aim to attend University, Agnes hopes to study fashion design, and Mary wants to support other girls in her community, in the same way Grace Nanana helped her.