Face To Face: Praying with the 2007 CWS Calendar

MORE THAN CHATTEL
A ten-year-old girl should be in school, but Nakang Selena’s father often makes her chop wood, haul water, and care for her young siblings instead. In West Pokot, a remote arid region in northwestern Kenya, that is the plight of many young girls, who walk miles every day to fetch fuel and water. Traditionally, girls here have been valued less than the cattle that sustain this culture, and most girls are married off at the age of thirteen. The bride-price received is frequently used to educate the boys in the family.

But CWS’s local partner, YANGA’T, is working to help communities realize the potential their girl children could have if education and economic opportunities were available to them. In this drought-ridden area, YANGA’T is showing villagers how to build sand dams and create viable nearby water sources that are environmentally friendly and sustainable. That way, girls won’t have to spend their days hauling water and instead can attend school. The young, educated Pokots who founded YANGA’T know what untapped potential exists in their area, and they envision a community that values all children, regardless of their gender.

“We believe that one of the greatest tests of our humanity, of our ability to respond to God’s call to be neighbor to one another, exists in Africa today.”

Rev. John L. McCullough, Executive Director and CEO, CWS

Fact of Life:
Percentage of rural Kenyan population with access to improved water sources: 46

Number of Kenyan children not in school due to poverty, gender discrimination, or child labor: 1.7 million

	MORE THAN CHATTEL A ten-year-old girl should be in school, but Nakang Selena’s father often makes her chop wood, haul water, and care for her young siblings instead. In West Pokot, a remote arid region in northwestern Kenya, that is the plight of many young girls, who walk miles every day to fetch fuel and water. Traditionally, girls here have been valued less than the cattle that sustain this culture, and most girls are married off at the age of thirteen. The bride-price received is frequently used to educate the boys in the family. But CWS’s local partner, YANGA’T, is working to help communities realize the potential their girl children could have if education and economic opportunities were available to them. In this drought-ridden area, YANGA’T is showing villagers how to build sand dams and create viable nearby water sources that are environmentally friendly and sustainable. That way, girls won’t have to spend their days hauling water and instead can attend school. The young, educated Pokots who founded YANGA’T know what untapped potential exists in their area, and they envision a community that values all children, regardless of their gender. “We believe that one of the greatest tests of our humanity, of our ability to respond to God’s call to be neighbor to one another, exists in Africa today.” Rev. John L. McCullough, Executive Director and CEO, CWS Fact of Life: Percentage of rural Kenyan population with access to improved water sources: 46 Number of Kenyan children not in school due to poverty, gender discrimination, or child labor: 1.7 million
	Recall a time in your life that was especially painful. How long did it take to recover from that suffering? How important were other people in your healing process? What lessons might Rozina and her sisters have to teach us about overcoming hardship?
	With weeping they shall come, and with consolations I will lead them back. Jer. 31:9
	O creator and Mighty God, you have promised strength for the weak, rest for the laborers, light for the way, grace for the trials, help from above, unfailing sympathy, and undying love. Help us to continue in your promise. Prayer from Pakistan
Back to top Produced by Church World Service, P.O. Box 968, 28606 Phillips St., Elkhart, IN 46515. Copies of the Church World Service calendar can be purchased from the address above for $10.00 each (add $3.00 for shipping). Church World Service: 1-800-297-1516 \| CWS/CROP Regional Offices: 1-888-CWS-CROP © 2007 Church World Service.