As another school year comes to an end, students around the world are finishing exams, celebrating milestones, and stepping into what’s next.
For many, it’s a season of reflection — and possibility.
But for girls like Monica, that wasn’t always the reality — and after her father died, life became even more uncertain as her family was pushed deeper into poverty. Food became uncertain and there were no schools in her village, so education wasn’t an option.
Before Monica ever stepped into a classroom at age 6, she described her life plainly:
“Before I came to school, the life I experienced outside there, it was hard because I didn’t go to school. I was just at home. Sometimes we didn’t have food.”
Added to this, where she lived, the risks were high. Children were often taken during raids — trafficked for labor or forced into early marriage. Monica herself was at risk of being coerced as a child bride.
Then the unimaginable happened.
Her younger brother was taken — likely kidnapped for adoption. He has never been heard from again.
Her family wanted something different for her, something safer, but they didn’t have the means to make it possible.
So, when the opportunity came for her to join LUV’s school, she went alone. At first, it was overwhelming.
“When I first came, I was crying… everything was new.”
But over time, something shifted.
“After some time, I adapted… and everything was fine.”
She found safety, consistency, and people who cared about her. She also was given the opportunity for an education, one that didn’t just teach Monica to read and write — but that gave her options. For girls living in war-torn and impoverished regions like hers, education is one of the strongest forms of protection, reducing vulnerability to trafficking and creating a safer, more stable future. Without it, choices are limited. With it, everything changes.
When people like you and from around the world invest in a bigger vision for girls’ futures, doors open for kids like Monica. In 2024, she graduated from high school — becoming not only the first female in her family to learn how to read and write but also the first to have a diploma.
During her time in LUV’s program, she also grew in her faith — something that continues to shape her life today.
“I remember there was a time war happened, and God really protected us. And there is no harm. That is the thing that I really thank God, he kept our life.”
Today, she is studying nursing, with a clear vision for her future:
“I hope to be a good nurse so that I can help the community.”
Monica wants to be part of changing the very reality she grew up in — bringing care, dignity, and medical access to others.
The kind of opportunity her father never had.
Monica’s story could have ended very differently. But because someone like you stepped in early, before the worst could happen, her life took a different path. This is what prevention looks like.
When we asked what she wanted to share with partners like you, she named this:
“I really give them thanks a lot and I’m praying to God to bless them and to continue to bless them with their work. And May God keep that good heart you are having upon us.”
Monthly giving is what allows LUV to keep showing up — providing consistent care, education, and protection for children who need it most.
If you want to learn more about why education is one of the most powerful forms of protection for girls, we shared more in our newest blog:
