Ministry transforms girls’ pain into purpose

Key points:

• A ministry of Parkview Kitengela United Methodist Church, the No Girl No Cry initiative empowers vulnerable young women in Kenya.
• The program blends spiritual guidance with practical training in life skills, health education and vocational opportunities.
• Church member Jackline Mwende, who leads the initiative, said her dream is for the program to expand by partnering with schools and churches, training mentors and opening doors to leadership.

Born from The United Methodist Church’s Parkview Kitengela Circuit in Nairobi, No Girl No Cry responds to the urgent needs of young women living in vulnerable environments.

Currently supporting 26 participants, the program blends spiritual guidance with practical training in life skills, health education and vocational opportunities. Its mission is simple: No girl should cry in despair when hope and empowerment are within reach.

The Rev. Anthony Maiga, Nairobi District superintendent, said the initiative was started after church leaders at Parkview Kitengela United Methodist Church noticed many young people living around a nearby garbage dumpsite, where families survive by collecting scrap materials for sale.

“We noticed girls being abused and their rights violated. That painful reality prompted us to seek a solution to save the girl child,” he said.

Maiga said girls are especially vulnerable, enduring sexual abuse, forced marriages and female genital mutilation and struggling with drugs and substance abuse and sexually transmitted diseases.

“We give girls a platform for self‑esteem and realization through counseling, psychosocial therapy, prayers, Scripture reading and reflection on God’s love,” Maiga said. “They are trained in self-defense and artisan skills for economic self‑reliance, including beadwork, tailoring and hairdressing.”

Bishop Daniel Wandabula of the Kenya‑Ethiopia Conference said empowering girls is not only a social priority but also a Gospel imperative.

“Every girl is created in the image of God, endowed with dignity, potential and purpose,” he said. “When we invest in the girl child, we invest in families, communities and the future of the church.”

He said initiatives like No Girl No Cry restore hope, provide education, protect against harmful practices and raise confident leaders.

“As the church, we must ensure girls are safe, valued and equipped to thrive — for a transformed girl transforms society.”

Maiga said there are opportunities for the ministry to grow, but he also noted challenges.

“The program can scale up through community outreach, youth street pop‑up evangelism with music, dance, skits, sports, Bible trivia and symposiums,” he said. “Collaboration with local administrators also helps rescue vulnerable girls, as they trust the church.”

He said the ministry faces resource constraints, difficulties in getting girls to return to school and family reintegration.

“We also need to care for babies born in unfortunate circumstances, provide stronger advocacy against child abuse, support a rescue center at church level, and facilitate support from qualified health and social workers,” he said.

Church member Jackline Mwende, who leads the No Girl No Cry initiative, said her dream is for the program to expand by partnering with schools and churches, training mentors and opening doors to vocational leadership.

“What began as a small, faith‑rooted response has grown into a structured program. We have evolved from simple conversations into a mission of life skills and health education, but our goal remains pure: empowerment and hope.”

Mentor Leah Ngaira said the program offers training like computer literacy and health education. The instruction helps girls build confidence, strengthen communication and decision‑making skills and make informed choices.

“Success is measured in changed attitudes as girls now speak confidently, set goals and take initiative. Spiritual growth shines through devotion, discipline and hope,” Ngaira said.

John Mueke Lavuta, pastor‑in‑charge at Parkview Kitengela United Methodist Church, said the program needs additional resources, including land for a permanent center, more computers and transportation to reach more girls.

Still, the program is making a difference in the community. “God’s hand is evident in lives transformed,” he said.

Rose Kalimi, who joined No Girl No Cry while pregnant, said she has reclaimed her self‑esteem and is building a future for her child.

“Through mentorship and counseling,” Kalimi said, “I rediscovered my worth. I was trained in computer skills, which gave me confidence and opened my mind to new opportunities.

“Beyond that, I found a spiritual home at Parkview Kitengela United Methodist Church. Today, I serve in the ushering ministry, reminding me daily that I am valued and called to serve despite my past.”

Gloria Kache, who once collected plastics at the dumpsite to earn money, is now preparing to join a vocational training institution.

“I grew up picking plastics at the dumpsite where my mother worked,” Kache said. “The No Girl No Cry initiative changed everything. Education became my key to freedom. I learned to care for my mental and physical health, which gave me confidence. Computer training made me feel independent, and spiritual support from the church gave me peace.”

She said she still faces struggles, but she is not afraid anymore.

“I am determined to go to college and prove that where you come from does not define your future,” she said. “My desire is to empower other girls who feel forgotten or judged. I want them to know their story does not end with mistakes. There is life after pain and purpose after struggle.”

Pastor Lavuta said initiatives like this one are helping The United Methodist Church in Kenya thrive.

“This initiative has made our church vibrant. With continued support, no girl shall cry in despair.”

Chingwe is a communicator for the Zimbabwe East Conference.

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