All That Glistens Isn’t Gold, by Ivyonn Khayeri

Thank you, once again, to Johanna and Tim Masters for supporting Lift the Lid in improving the schools we sponsor. Your generous donation made in the name of new baby Axel will go toward Lenana Girls High School in Kitale, Kenya. Lenana is a boarding school for orphaned, vulnerable, and dispossessed girls from the age of 11 to 22. The best chance for young girls in Kenya to gain an education is through boarding schools, where they will be housed, educated, and protected from cultural traditions such as early marriage (at the age of 12 or 13) and Female Genital Mutilation.
Lenana has begun businesses such as agriculture, bee keeping, and dairy production, which, once developed fully, will provide enough income to cover the school’s running costs. The students of Lenana Girls High School will be taught entrepreneurial and life skills, in addition to their traditional subjects. Johanna and Tim Masters, we cannot express enough how much your continued support is appreciated.
Ivyonn, I am glad you had the will-power to leave a bad situation with the man you were meant to marry. The fact that you listened to your heart shows your determination and proves that you can go far with an education.
I would love to hear more of your life story on how you managed to leave the arranged marriage and make it to Lenana Girls High School — perhaps in another essay. Your story might inspire other girls to stay strong and focused. Thank you for who you are!
Sara
Dear Ivyonn,
Thank you for sending me your beautiful essay. I’m so glad you were able to escape that arranged marriage, and find a good life. With an education, you will be able to find a wonderful career, and someday you will meet the man you want to marry!
You were very brave to run away. You were a help to your grandmother, and now it is time to focus on your own life. Yes, God has a plan for you, and I’m sure you are well on your way to living that plan. God bless you and keep you in His care! Johanna