The LitWorld LitClubs, held at the Red Rose School in Kibera, Kenya, the second-largest slum in Nairobi, are helping to transform the lives of the girls living there. These adolescent girls face unimaginable odds on a daily basis, yet they possess the drive to chase after their dreams and are desperate to further their education. There are countless stories of girls who entered the school shy and even afraid. Many of them felt unsure of themselves and were not confident in their abilities. However, through participation in the LitClubs, these young women began to blossom and have the confidence to let their let light shine. Here are some of their stories.
Diana Kwamboko, LitWorld Girls LitClub Member
My name is Diana Kwamboko and I study at Red Rose Children's Centre. I am in the seventh grade. Since my parents could not pay for my fees, I am sponsored by the Children of Kibera foundation. My dad died when I was very young and my mother takes responsibility for me, although sometimes she is unable to satisfy all my needs. Despite our family's background, I am working hard to raise our standard of living. I think girls should be given special care. I live in Kibera, a place where many girls are denied their rights. I am 13 years old and I am really proud of being a girl. When I grow up, I have a dream of forming an organization to fight for every girl's right in Africa and all of the world. I stand up for every girl's right to be educated. I stand up for this right because most girls in Kibera depend on boys and this ends them up with them being pregnant at an early age. I would like each and every girl to have a bright future and depend on themselves. Each and every girl should be taken to school. I hate it most when I see young girls who are supposed to be in school working as house girls. Thanks to LitWorld's Girls LitClub which is trying to change every girl's life.
Laventer Atieno, LitWorld Girls LitClub Member
My name is Laventer Atieno. I am 14 years old and I am in the eighth grade. My hobbies are drawing, exploring, coloring and playing handball. My dream career is to be an explorer, a scientist or a psychiatrist. I learn in Red Rose Children's Centre. My favourite subjects are mathematics, science and social studies. My favourite colors are blue, purple and yellow. I love learning and going to school. When you are an educated person, no one can cheat you or deny you your rights. You will know and stand up for yourself. You will understand the laws and know what's wrong and what's good. That's why I stand up for girls to be educated. I would love all girls to be given equal opportunity with the rest of the people. I wish all girls not to be discriminated against, for surely they can do better if they are given the chance. All they need is opportunity. Again, I would love for girls to be respected. They need to be seen as people who have the ability to contribute to society. Girls are the most precious things in the world.
Leah, LitWorld Girls LitClub Member
My name is Leah. I am in the eighth grade at a school called Red Rose Children Centre. I am 15 years old and my hobbies are swimming, singing and dancing. In my free time, I always read a storybook. My dream is to become a lawyer. I always admire this since it involves justice. As a girl, I would like to see the girls being given their rights. For me, I know I will make it. That's why I always work hard to achieve my goals. There are a lot of challenges that girls usually face. They are very important people in this world. They do what they boys can also do -- they should not be mistreated. They should be educated and treated equally. I am very worried to see girls being denied their rights. When I am a lawyer, I will want to see girls laughing instead of crying. I will never stop standing up for girls. They are wonderful. Stand up for girls to be educated. They can make a change that even a boys cannot. That is why they should be given equal opportunity. I stand up for girls to be educated.
LitWorld's Stand Up for Girls campaign advocates for every girl's right to a quality education. By learning to read and write, all girls in the world can protect themselves against poverty, poor health outcomes and lifelong struggle. Literacy is a skill that once learned, is hers forever.
Let us stand together to champion the right of all girls to be Fierce, Fearless and Free.
Stand with us on 10.11.12. Visit our website to learn more and join the movement.