Mary Soipan Reshajo

Mary Soipan Reshajo was a Day scholar in Grade 6, who is 14 years old, having started school late. She was sent home for non-payment of fees to collect the money. She did not return to school.

Father told her no more money for education, and he was going to have her prepared for marriage. Also, there were new cows at the property, which told her the deal to sell her had been made.

Yesterday, she ran away to a lady in a nearby village she knew would get her to Mercy, and was held in a safe house last night.

By preparation for marriage, the father meant FGM.

Thankfully, through the education we support, she knew what this meant and ran away.

The head teacher has agreed to admit her into boarding, so she is safe for now.

Local Chief will go and see Father, and he will not be permitted to see her. He will try and get her each time she leaves school so she cannot be alone. Eventually, he will give up.

In the holidays, she will be taken to the rescue centre so she is safe.

She has no possessions other than the clothes she was wearing. The uniform she is wearing in the photo has been loaned to her by other students.

Thanks to our fantastic supporters, she will soon have her own clothes and remain safe in school. Joanne Hollamby has so generously offered to sponsor her.

This photo was taken just after she was told.