Dear Friend,
We kept our promise.
When I was in Dadaab and Kakuma refugee camps in Kenya last year, I spoke directly with school-aged girls about their dreams for the future. It was crushing to learn that what often stops a girl from achieving her dream, or even attending school, is a lack of access to menstrual hygiene products. We had to do something urgently, and we promised to use our advocacy to address this need.
With your timely support, we did just that, and when I walked back into the girls’ schools just a few weeks ago, I was met with many things—singing, giggles, curiosity, joy, but also a feeling of relief. A feeling of a promise kept. I knew USCRI and our supporters could help alleviate an immediate need—and you answered the call.
It is difficult to put into words the impact I saw firsthand, but I can tell you this: we delivered over half a million sanitary pads, ensuring nearly 5,000 girls are able to continue their studies and contribute to their communities. For now, menstrual hygiene will not be a preeminent obstacle in these girls’ paths to achieving their dreams. This is bigger than a single promise. It is a promise we all have to one another – to keep each other well, protected, and safe. To uphold our collective humanity.
My heartfelt thanks to all of you for your generosity. Our work together to improve the lives of refugees and immigrants continues.
With gratitude and hope,
Victoria Walker
Policy Analyst
Click here to read more about our work in Kenya.
