Meet Goretti
Meet Goretti! She came to our girl's vocational center in Buwudha village looking for help. She had heard about the center and was desperate to learn a skill so she could have a better future.
Goretti's mother died when she was ten years old, and she had to move in with her stepmother. At first, she thought all would be okay and she would live a good life.
As Goretti was telling us the story of her upbringing she said, “The joy of getting a new mum soon became bitter. I was mistreated and stopped from getting my education when she made me leave school.”
Goretti was then forced into an early marriage to a much older man. She is now just twenty years old and is raising her two young children. Sadly, this situation is not uncommon in rural Uganda. Often teen girls are not aware that forced early marriage is illegal in Uganda.
The Constitution of Uganda states that the legal age of marriage for the girl-child is 18 years of age, and 21 for boys. There are laws in place to protect children, including girls and women, from violence, however, these are often not enforced due to traditional cultural or religious practices. Families living in poverty will accept a “bride price” which gives them money, food, and livestock, in exchange for their daughter. It also “relieves the parents of any responsibility for their daughters.”
Girls who are orphaned are even more vulnerable. In Uganda, there are over 5 million child brides. Seven percent, 1.3 million girls are married by the age of 15. Thirty-four percent are married by the age of 18.( *Data from World Bank and Unesco.) This is one of the biggest drivers of generational poverty.
When girls come to our vocational center, they are learning a marketable skill and being educated about their rights as women. They have the support of our team members and have each other to lean on.
Goretti says, “Because of Children's Legacy Partnership I now have skills and bigger dreams!”
Yup, it brings tears to my eyes and a lump in my throat!
All this is only possible because of you. Your donations help fund an education for these forgotten teen girls. When they come to the center they feel invisible and hopeless. As they learn a skill, learn about their rights, and become part of a community, they begin to feel safe, seen, and supported!
Goretti had no sewing or tailoring skills when she started at our center. Now, the instructor Mr. Emma says, “Goretti is the top student in the tailoring course!”
Yesterday, Goretti told our advisor Hilda that she hopes to open her own tailoring shop and even become an instructor so she can train others! Goretti has been able to sell some of the shopping bags and purses she has made. This has helped improve living conditions for her and her children.
It's been wonderful to see the change in Goretti. I think you can tell by her face in the photo! She now has so much confidence and hope for her future.
And- knowing her rights has allowed her to know her power as a woman! We look forward to having her mentor more of the girls in the future.
This is a life-saving difference you make and is the sustainable way our programs work to break the cycle of poverty.
Our girls are forever grateful to you and I hope you feel the love and connection they have for you and to you!
Webale Enyo!! (Thank you!)
With Gratitude,
Mary
P.S. If you are looking for that special gift for someone, how about making a donation in their honor to CLP? They'll get a beautiful card with a description of the impact the gift in their honor is making. Just reply to me, and I can let you know the details. It's easy, sustainable, and makes a lasting difference!
