Giving Back
When I was in graduate school, I worked part-time for an organization called The S.H.E. College Fund. This nonprofit sends young women to college in Kenya. As children, these young women had to flee their homes and live in safe houses to avoid female genital mutilation (FGM) and early forced childhood marriage (EFCM). Once they turn eighteen, however, they legally have to leave the safe houses, and they often have nowhere to go. That’s why The S.H.E. College Fund pairs these women with families who can send them to college. It’s a beautiful organization that deeply cares about these women. In addition to helping them attend college, so they can earn degrees and support themselves, the nonprofit also attends to their mental health through seminars and therapy as needed. That’s why it has remained close to my heart. That’s also what led me to Susan Natasha (below in yellow) and her younger sister Velma (below in red).
After studying fashion design and business thanks to The S.H.E. College Fund, Susan Natasha started a clothing line called Enkila Afrika. (Check out her products on Instagram here.) She’s proud to be able to support herself and values her education, so she wants Velma to have the same opportunities and has been advocating for her little sister. Unfortunately, Velma is too young to be a S.H.E. student, so I have been privately funding Velma’s education since the beginning of 2024. Not only is Velma excited to finally be in boarding school, but she also feels much safer than she did living at home. If we work together, know that some of the fees you pay go to support this spunky young women and her education. And if you’re curious about supporting a college student yourself, I highly recommend researching The S.H.E. College Fund: https://www.shecollegefund.org/