The woman at the heart of Kenya's largest family has first hand experience with gender discrimination. When Esther Mulli was only a child she laboured long hours for wages that paid for her brothers education. She and her sisters did not have the opportunity to go to school. From it's inception, MCF has been a champion for the rights of girls and was the first home in Kenya to welcome girls. In fact, MCF Yatta, which was created to rehabilitate and empower girls, was the first all girl facility in the country.
MCF Yatta is close to the farm at Ndalani. Yatta is home to over 200 girls, and provides for their physical, emotional and spiritual needs. The girls at Yatta have been rescued from prostitution, racial violence and severly abusive situations.
The street girls and their young children are welcomed, as are young girls who are pregnant. Medical care, emergency dietary care and parental love are their first steps towards rehabilitation. The girls also receive counselling to help them recover from debilitating situations.
Many of the girls have never been to school before so formal education can be extremely difficult. Formal Education ifrom grade 1 - 12 is offered and life skills are offered to all the girls to empower them to look after themselves and their families upon graduation of the 3 year program. The children are cared for while the girls attend studies which include tailoring, dressmaking, hair dressing, agriculture, basketry and computer studies. Because these girls did not have the benefit of learning from their mothers, they also learn health care, cooking classes, child care, housekeeping and general home science. These are of utmost important to improve the girls living standards and prepare them for future responsibilities to their families.
Esther plays a significant role in the mentoring and care for the girls. Last year was challenging as many girls who were living in the refugee camps were welcomed to Yatta. Most of the 100 girls had been raped and have since given birth at Yatta. Extensive trauma counselling was given to the Yatta staff who are helping these young girls cope with their shattered lives.
A large percentage of MCF's farm employees are widowed women or women who are the sole providers for their families. Women are given preferential treatment when MCF requires additional staff. The ladies who work at the farm take home fresh produce to feed their families and are paid up to 300% above average wages. During high season, the farm will employ up to 800 people. These ladies also have access to free medical care through the MCF clinic.
