Why AGEF?
Ruby Anyumba- Founder
I am originally from kisumu, Nyanza province in western Kenya. It is a privilege that I furthered my studies at Dawson College and Concordia University in Montreal, Canada. My inner guidance to initiate AGEF is influenced by my first hand experiences and background as an Africa woman. Growing up in the suburbs of Luo community, I attended a mixed primary school in the suburbs before heading to high school in Nairobi city. My graduation class in primary school contained 60 girls. I feel lucky yet disturbed to accept that out 60 girls 70 percent were unable to make it to high school and 99 percent were unable to make it to university level mainly due to lack of school fees. I think that it is highly important to tackle the root causes of issues that fuels Africa's problems such as Nile treaty; that denies local Kenyans full access to use water in lake Victoria. Effects of structural adjustment programs, and mandatory school fees, etc rather than glossing up the problems. I view HIV/AIDS and poverty as inseparable because one is caused by the other, especially to women. Women who are poor end up contracting the HIV because they are left with no option but to carry a life style that will grant them survival. Women who are infected with HIV/AIDS end up dying of poverty because their ailing bodies does not grant them the ability to labour/work for their daily meals. It has been heart wrecking experience for me to watch the face of HIV/AIDS bring about the unthinkable. In brief, it is sheer visible that by providing education we could all contribute in preventing, maintaining or eradicating HIV/AIDS and poverty. Thank you for your understanding and support
Bijoux Somwe
When I think about African women and girls in general, I just think of myself and my previous life experiences in the refugee camps. I moved to Kenya in 1990 and went on to live in the refugee camps as a Congolese seeking asylum at a tender age of 16yrs and left at 21 yrs, in both WALDA refugee camp at the Ethiopian/Kenyan border, and KAKUMA camp Sudan/Kenyan border. Since I spoke English as a Congolese young girl, doors opened for me in terms of work with various organizations. I worked as a social worker and translator for various woman groups and communities under the umbrella of UNHCR and LWF. It was a challenge since men at the camp did not embrace a woman to represent them. I experienced and saw how women and girls can easily get trapped in the conflict of gender parity, thus thwarting their potential. When Ruby asked me to be part of AGEF as a Vice President, my thoughts went back to my life back in Kenya's refugee camps. This is why I am so eager to work for all African girls and all women in general.
Yolanda Domazet
I am a woman who was given the freedom to make choices. I was born and raised in Montreal, Canada, therefore I had the opportunity to get a full education allowing me to make choices for my future. Unfortunately not all woman around the world including Africa have access to education, I have always known this as a fact. It is sad to know that young girls become victimized in one way or another simply because they lack funds to obtain education or to continue with their education. This is a problem, like all others that can begin to change one girl at a time. I met Ruby a couple of years ago not by chance, but for a greater purpose. We became friends and most importantly we started to grow on a spiritual level. In that growth we began to understand a greater purpose to contribute in creating a better world where we live in peace. For this, we must focus our awareness and energy not on the country as a whole or community or even the family, but one individual at a time. We can all give back to our world one person at a time.
Harry Arunda
It is my utmost gratitude to be part of AGEF. I live in Luo community and I witness the problems brought by HIV/AIDS and poverty on a daily basis. Many girls here are in dire need; most of them give up hope and resort to early marriage or to social vices as early as they receive their Kanya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) (High School) results. It is not because they have failed, but because of poverty or even some cultural norms which are lopsided against them; boys are given priority in secondary education than girls and by opportunity cost girls are locked out making them to suffer in silence. I appreciate the initiative brought forward by AGEF to support girl child education. There are many girls who pass their examination but have no place to turn to. I am glad that their hope is revived through AGEF.
Norbert Griess
When I traveled to Kenya, East Africa I have seen regions where families live in poor conditions. They struggle hard and it seems it's an almost impossible task to break the poverty cycle. Education is a very effective way to tackle poverty and I've seen an abundance of bright minds, but the dreams of many never advance as they don't have the opportunity, are financially restricted, or are pressured into a role that society and tradition dictates. Hence, girls in particular have a hard time receiving education. However, on my travels I've also seen something else. I have seen that AGEF has made a impact on the lives of some girls. I had the opportunity to meet Maureen. Maureen is a deaf girl that dreams about being a teacher for children with disabilities. Her family is very proud of her and you could see hope in her eyes. Thanks to AGEF, she is able to pursue her dreams. AGEF is a organization that have supporters that are not only highly dedicated, but also have expert knowledge of the education system and the culture of the region. Because of that, funds can be used in the most effective way possible. I feel privileged to support this organization and to be part of a change.