My family has been supporting one of the girls at the school this past year. Her name is Naomi Ngotiria, she is 13 years old and in Form I. Naomi is the last born child of seven, 4 girls and 3 boys. Her father has 5 wives, so she has additional half siblings. Naomi grew up outside of Arusha (not too far from the school). Two of her sisters are still in secondary school, one brother is a pastor, and another brother is in university studying to be an accountant. Naomi's father is deceased and her mother herds cattle and grows maize and beans now. Her favorite school subjects are math and physics, and she wants to be a doctor when she gets older. She loves to sing, dance, jump rope, and write. Her favorite food is rice and beans.
Liz and I had an enjoyable time visiting with Naomi and getting to know her better. She speaks English VERY well for a Form I student and her teachers said she is bright in class. Naomi took us to her dorm to see where she lives and to meet her friends.
Each girl here is sponsored by a family or church in the states through Operation Bootstrap Africa. It costs about $800/year to help one girl receive an education and once you donate you receive all the information about you new "daughter" or "sister". Sponsors are urged to correspond with their student throughout the duration of her schooling. This offers the girls encouragement and helps them with their English skills. Let me tell you, the girls really look forward to the letters they receive from their sponsors. Last week I had given Naomi a picture of our family and she was just beaming. It means a lot to them to know that someone in the U.S. cares about their future. It was great to be able to meet Naomi! She is a special addition to our family! If anyone is interested in supporting one of the Maa Sae girls, I can give you the information!
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