Sr. Nduku joins the rescued girls in a song
In the remote region of Suguta Marmar in Samburu County, the mission of the sisters of Mary Immaculate of Nyeri has taken an urgent and transformative dimension. What began as pastoral, educational, and healthcare outreach has evolved into a lifeline for young girls at risk of harmful cultural practices.
Sr. Teresa Nduku is the administrator of Mary Immaculate Girls Rescue Center. She narrates how the center started: “When the sisters arrived here, young girls were disappearing from school, many forced into early marriages at a tender age. Moved by this reality and the desire to provide protection and care, we responded to girls whose rights were violated and who were seeking refuge. That’s how Mary Immaculate Girls rescue center was established, in collaboration with the community and local authorities.”
A place of Healing and Renewal
Mary Immaculate Rescue Center is now a home to nearly 100 girls who fled situations of abuse, including Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and child marriage, locally referred to as “beading,” where young girls are selected as future wives. The sisters, in collaboration with the local government, are committed to restoring the girls’ dignity. Our mission is to rescue, safeguard, empower, and reintegrate. We support the girls to heal through a holistic approach involving counseling, education, and spiritual accompaniment. Most girls come here traumatized. Imagine a nine-year-old girl given to a man over 40 years old?” Sr. Nduku says, her voice full of concern.
Education is at the heart of the center’s work; through the sisters and people of goodwill, the girls are enrolled in school. “Education is a key to life and a path to freedom. After rescue and psychosocial support, we take the girls to school. It is expensive to provide basic needs and education, but we want to give them the best so that they can have a good future after reintegration,” Sr. Nduku adds.
Transforming Hearts and Minds
Recognizing the importance of community involvement, the sisters have extended their mission to include boys and young men through a “He for She” initiative. Sr Nduku explains: “Traditionally, Moran’s (young warriors) have been part of cultural systems that encourage early marriages through beading and FGM. Currently, some have joined us as advocates for change. Through dialogue and formation, they have learned to respect and protect girls. The change is gradual, but it has brought a great shift in attitude within the community,” she says with a smile
Shadrack, a Moran leader, shares his experience in being a champion for change of attitude. Sr Teresa has been very helpful to us. She has taught us a lot about FGM and the impact of early marriage. As Morans, we now understand the dangers and have become ambassadors for stopping FGM and early marriages. Another Moran, Emmanuel, reflects on the change: “Before we met Sr Teresa, we did not allow girls to go to school. We supported early marriage and FGM. Now we have learned it is wrong and are helping protect the girl child,” he adds
Sr Nduku (Centre) with Morans turned advocates
A Courageous Response to Cultural Changes
Some former FGM practitioners have joined the effort, choosing to advocate for the protection of girls despite economic and cultural pressures. Naponu, a former practitioner, explains her journey “This was my work, I used to earn about 2,500 shillings per girl. Through Sr Teresa, I decided to stop and join the sisters to save girls” she admits the challenge “It is not easy, sometimes it is tempting to go back because of the money, but i want to remain faithful to my decision as an ambassador.”
Local leaders are key partners to this mission. Mr. Lekamparish is a local chief. He explains, “We work with Sr. Teresa to rescue girls facing FGM and early marriage. Cases have reduced compared to before. This center has helped educate the community and support girls to go back to school. I wish we could get more support to sensitize more communities within Samburu County,” he says, with a hopeful smile on his face.
Mr. Lekamparish (left)talks with Morans
Stories of Courage and Hope
The voices of rescued girls reveal both pain and resilience. “Blessings” (not her real name) shares, “I was beaded while herding goats. I ran away because I wanted to study. I met someone on my way who helped me and brought me here, now i am in school,” she adds excitedly. “Favour” (not her real name) recalls, “At nine years old, I was forced into marriage after undergoing FGM. In marriage, I was always beaten by my husband, who also had other wives. One day I ran away I wanted to go to school. The sisters helped me, and now I am learning.”
A witness to the Gospel
In the Catholic Diocese of Maralal, the work of the sisters of Mary Immaculate of Nyeri is a living testimony of faith in action. Through compassion, courage, and collaboration, the sisters are not only rescuing girls but they are also restoring hope and transforming generations. “We continue this mission because every girl deserves dignity and a future,” Sr. Nduku concludes.