How We Began:  Our Story

by Isaya Oleporuo

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It started on the morning before my older sister’s wedding. The day before a Maasai girl gets married, there will be a ceremony to say goodby to the girl getting married. That day was the first time that I understood that no Maasai girl is making the choice to get married. That day, I understood that they don’t have a choice, they are just fulfilling the wishes of their fathers.  

 

That evening, after my sisters ceremony, I noticed my sister had become very sad and was crying. I ran to her and said, “sister what’s wrong, it’s your wedding day. Why aren’t you happy.”  She looked at me and said, “It is not my wedding day. I’m doing what our father wishes me to do, fulfilling his wish.” She grabbed my shoulders and told me, “look at this man that is marrying me. That man is like my great grandfather! Does that look like a man I would marry? A child like me!” My sister was 14 years old at the time.

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Because of my sister's wish and her bravery for speaking up, my eyes were opened.  The Osotuwa foundation is ready to provide opportunities to Maasai girls as more and more girls come to us each year, looking for our help. In order for this to happen, we need more sponsors and support to keep our momentum going.

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