Though many of her friends have stopped going to school, 15-year-old Kawaria loves to learn. She hopes to be a teacher one day so she can share her love of learning with the children of her community. But in the rural part of Kenya where Kawaria lives, girls often stop attending school as they enter their teen years to prepare for marriage or because their parents can’t afford the school fees. And in Kawaria’s small village, girls who are menstruating are usually kept at home, as they lack the supplies and understanding to manage their monthly menstrual cycle.

A caring mentor from a local ministry is creating new opportunities for Kawaria. This older Christian woman shares her faith with Kawaria, equipping her to become a vibrant, faithful follower of Christ. Her mentor also shares life experience, helping Kawaria to grow in character and life skills-and she provided Kawaria with the supplies, information, and encouragement she needs to continue her education.

*The name and image of the girl in this story have been changed to protect her identity.

David C Cook is a 501c3 nonprofit organization dedicated to equipping the global church with leadership, discipleship, and worship resources to help Christians grow in faith and pass it along to the next generation.