Smiling faces of happy girls are what met us at Soila Maasai Girls Center.
It is hard to believe that these girls are orphans. We were inspired.

A half an hour drive from Limuru had taken us to Soila Maasai girls rescue center in Suswa. The center caters for 100 girls who are rescued from FGM and early marriages. The children are sheltered and educated here. This center is an affiliate of Dr. Barnados home.

The scorching sun signified our arrival to Maasai Land. We were met by the Home’s administrator, Mary, who explained to us that the girls are not going breaking for Holidays, as December is the peak season for FGM in Maasai Land and therefore going home at this time would put them at risk. For this reason, they are retained at the Center during August and December holidays
and only go home during April Holidays. Their relatives however, do visit them.

After introductions, we offered the girls some words of encouragement after which the shoe presentation was done.

…and then we danced to a Maasai tune

Mary was gracious enough to show us around the center.  We saw their poultry project  where they rear chicken for sale . She showed us around the girls dormitories and their sitting room where they relax and watch TV. A community dispensary in the compound is a work-in-progress. Once complete, the dispensary is going to extend its services to the larger community.

And what’s a visit to Maasai Land without visiting a Manyatta? We visited a Manyatta nearby, after which we bid the girls goodbye. Days later, on 3rd Dec 2010 we visited Dr. Barnados home in Nairobi. Read about that here .