Traditionally on New Year’s Eve, we make resolutions on how we want to improve or change in the coming year.  Usually this involves changing our diet, getting more exercise etc.

But it doesn’t have to be New Year’s Eve to make a resolution.  October of 2013 found Flora Ntaine, then only 11 years old, being “sold” into early marriage by her father, when her mother unexpectedly passed away.

Though childhood marriage is illegal in Kenya, the practice continues in the more rural areas.  Sandra Vaughan happened upon Flora crying at the cattle market and quickly went into action, alerting the police, village chairman and Maasai Chief.

Flora’s father and soon to be “husband” were arrested and jailed for several months.

Flora was moved to a girls boarding school far away and lived with a woman who looked after her.  Having never lived anywhere but her boma before, although she was excited at the new opportunity offered by the schooling, the home situation proved to be too emotionally challenging for her.  Taking a chance, Sandra moved her closer and placed her at the GCF sponsored Amboseli Primary School where she was taken under the protection of it’s then Head Mistress, Ann.

Flora soon found her way and flourished.  She resolved to take every opportunity offered her and make the education count.

She was voted head girl of her class annually and if not the number one student, almost always at the top of her class, year after year.

Flora then continued on to secondary school, again excelling at her studies.  And last year, despite the setbacks of Covid, took computer classes to become more technologically savvy.

GCF is proud and honored that Flora has been accepted into the top Hospitality Management school in Nairobi, Kenya and will be reporting for class on January 10th to study Food & Beverage service.  We only learned of this several days ago and were scrambling to find the needed funds for her tuition/boarding and personal expenses.

In true Christmas Miracle fashion, a donor just happened to reach out to GCF at the same time, asking to sponsor a girl in secondary school.  Upon hearing Flora’s story and circumstances, a commitment was made to sponsor her for her full 2 years of university schooling instead.

Christmas Miracles, New Year’s Resolutions…whatever we call it.  This once almost child bride has a much brighter future thanks to the support of donors big and small.