Tasaru Safehouse For Girls

NAROK, KENYA - DECEMBER 22: Teresia Kerempe, 14, waits inside the Tasaru Safehouse for Girls for a counselor to accompany her to her parents house where she will be reconciled with family December 22, 2006 in Narok, Kenya. The Tasaru Safehouse supports board, lodging and education of young Maasai girls from preteens to late teens who seek refuge from female circumcision and early marriage. In 2001, the Kenyan government passed the Children's Act which highlights the right of a child to receive an education. It also issues a ban on what is now referred to as Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and early marriage (below 18 years). News of the recent law and the conviction to conform with the changing belief system has not reached many in the rural and remote areas of the Rift Valley. After receiving a girl, the center workers assess whether or not the girl is indeed escaping from FGM and early marriage by confirming with the girl's family and neighbors. Once the veracity of the girl's claim is validated, the organization supports the girl's board, lodging and education while actively working towards reconciling the girl with her family and dissuading the girl's parents against FGM and early marriage. Teresia took money from her mother's purse and used the cash as fare for public transportation from her village of Wasongiro to Narok. From Narok she walked to Tasaru, which she heard of during a seminar against FGM and early marriage. Though most reconciliations take years and numerous interventions by center counselors, Teresia was at the center for less than six months before she was ready to return to her family. Her reconciliation was a success as she was immediately welcomed by her parents. Her case was the first and only instance that has resulted in a successful reunion after intervention by counselors. Her parents promised not to circumcise Teresia or her sisters and allowed her to continue her schooling under the sponsorship of Tasaru. (Photo by Marvi Lacar/Getty Im