From Pat Werner
Hello Friends of Freedom for Girls,
We know that 2020 has been a challenging year of uncertainty for all of us.
I never give up hope for better days ahead. It has been especially difficult for the people of Kenya, where there is no unemployment aid. The people are desperate.
Because of COVID schools have been closed, classes are scheduled to begin in January. It is so important that girls attend school every day of the month to keep up with their education. I am asking for your help to supply sanitary pads, underwear and educational materials for the new school term. We are able to provide these supplies to a girl for one whole year for just $6.00! Yes! $6.00.
I have coordinated this project that we call '"Freedom for Girls" for 15 years. My task is to ask kind folks like you to send money to purchase these supplies which are manufactured and packaged in Kenya and delivered to the girls in Kenya.
I am fortunate to have the help of Vickie Winkler, Founder of HEART (Health Education African Resource Team). In the past 15 years we have helped 207,436 girls attend classes every day by providing sanitary supplies. Vickie has worked tirelessly in Kenya to empower future generations of Kenyans especially women and girls through disease prevention, education and economic strengthening.
Much of this program's success is because of Lydiah Njoroge, an amazing Kenyan woman who coordinates the distribution of the supplies. She also meets with the girls and provides education about hygiene and how the female body functions.
Lydiah Njoroge, Project Freedom for Girls Manager, Nairobi, Kenya "I have seen first-hand...girls can concentrate because they do not worry about soiling their clothes....they do not rely on men to give them money in exchange for sex, risking HIV or STD or pregnancy. The girls tell me their dreams for their future. Your giving helps these girls stay in school to pursue those dreams".
Getting the supplies to the many needy girls in outlying areas is a challenge. Local Rotary Clubs in the Nakuru, Kenya area have taken on this responsibility. Founder of an Elementary school and Rotarian, James Yegon has been instrumental in the delivery to schools. Sometimes he even uses his motor scooter to remote areas.
This is what James Yegon Superintendent of SOAR Kenya Academy writes about the impact of Freedom for Girls:
"With the introduction of sanitary towels (pads) through Freedom for Girls many lives have been changed"
1) reduced school dropout.
2) reduced absenteeism.
3) improved school performance among girls.
4) improved hygiene and infection rates-- girls are not forced to use old clothes, feathers or dirty paper.
5) improved concentration and psychological health.
6) improved potential for future jobs and occupations.
I thought that sharing some background stories of the people who join me to make this program possible would help you to understand the importance and complexity of this project and the passion that we have for its success.
Remember just $6.00 can change a girl's life. Educating a girl means educating her future family.
Make your check payable to:
Walworth Fontana Rotary Foundation
Mail it to Pat Werner
62110 Badger Ridge Road Ferryville Wl 54628 Your generosity is greatly appreciated. Thank you from the bottom of our Hearts!
Pat Werner
For more information about Freedom4Girls or HEART visit this website: