Kankenya Ntaiya: #CNN Heroe .....an angel sent from above

Everyday, all around the world, men and women alike, who choose to make a difference by lending helping hands and then going ahead to achieve extraordinary results, are our true unsung heroes.  One of such heroes, who live beyond "self" and promote "independence is @Kankenya Ntaiya, who is a native of Massai village in #Kenya, East #Africa.

Her story of struggle, hard work, perseverance and tenacity is compelling and yet inspiring.  As a little girl, she was raised in a community where girls are regarded as second class citizens, who does not need to be educated.  As a young girl of six, she was betrothed to a young boy of seven. 

 Born in 1978, and her mum having no recollection of the exact month and day she was born, @Kankenya has lived her life beyond fear, suppression and segregation.

Kankenya attended #Pittsburgh University located in Pennsylvania, United States through funds donated by members of her village.  She earned a #Doctorate degree in Education and she returned to her village to build Kankenya's Center for Excellence, a school that admits girls' who are at risk of #child marriage in the community.  This is the first primary school for girls in this little village.

Posing for a picture inside her school with her girls' in the background

Late night studying with the girls using a lantern....

Posing for a picture with girls from her school

Kankenya's initiative has enabled her to touch and change the lives of many innocent young girls who would have otherwise been subjected to severe abuse and humiliation.  Her work, which impacts the lives of local girls, by empowering them with priceless values and education, is indeed an act of heroism.  Kankenya was nominated as one of ten #CNN Heroes of the year 2013.   However, to me, Kankenya is my own hero of the year.  Her actions and efforts in building and creating the awareness of the importance of girl child education, are worthy of emulation, recognition, and praise.

She is indeed an angel sent from above.

Congratulations, @Kankenya for being my own hero.

Love from OnPoint Eventz