As the problem of obstetric fistula in Ethiopia greatly reduced to almost eradication, Trampled Rose was able to begin helping at the root of the problem instead of just the symptoms. The best way to reduce early marriages and poverty is keeping girls in school. Along with opening the opportunity for education, we have also provided the girls with dignity and love along the way. The girls we help live in rural Ethiopian villages and are in the most need of assistance. Many of them are orphaned or disabled.
Since the beginning of our keeping girls in school projects, we have helped more than 4,000 girls stay in school. We estimate 95% of these girls would not be in school without the help of Trampled Rose. Most have gone on to high school graduation and even university.
In the Trampled Rose program, each girl is given her own bank account and provided funds every month. This number changes annually according to the exchange rate and inflation. With this money, she is empowered to make the best financial choices for herself to stay in school. These choices can include purchasing textbooks, uniforms, school supplies, menstrual care, food, or shelter. Some of the girls even choose to use a portion of the money to help their siblings stay in school. We believe that allowing the girls to make these decisions not only gives them lessons in responsibility, but also gives them the control to make the appropriate choice for her own needs. Empowerment for today and her future.
Many Trampled Rose girls live more than one and one half hour walk from school. Some of the girls in our program walk more than nine hours one way to reach school.
Uniforms are mandatory in order for the girls to be able to attend government schools. Often this is the only piece of clothing the girl owns.
Before our help, we have seen as many as three girls sharing one pen. They would attempt to quickly take notes while the teacher was lecturing and then pass the pen to the other girls.
This is one of the most important needs in Trampled Rose. Many girls would miss up to one week per month of school due to their menstrual cycles. Having access to menstrual supplies allows the girls a chance to be in the classroom the entire month.
Some of the girls were only able to only eat once every two days. This made concentration hard and much of their energy was focused on how to get their next meal. Trampled Rose girls have drastically improved their classroom grades now that they are able to purchase food for themselves and focus their efforts on school.
One top student was almost unable to complete her last year of school because of Hepatitis. The $25 she received from Trampled Rose each month saved her life by helping her pay for the care she needed. We have almost 400 girls in school this year!