Because I am a Girl
I collect water, firewood and scraps of burlap and cloth
…for me there is never a break;
I watch my brothers go to school while I stay home
…for me it may be too late;
I eat if there’s still food left when everyone else is done
…for me stomach ulcers and hunger pangs are normal;
I know what it is like to be among the poorest of the poor
Because I am a Girl
I am the soul of my community,
I will sing a song of hope and joy,
I will impart wisdom to the next generation,
I will lift my family out of poverty,
I will give all that I am,
…and if you invest in me, I will never let you down;
Because I am a Girl
Under the Acacia Tree Music
June 20, 2010
Because I am a Girl was written in response to a CES sponsored student whose gentle spirit and courageous approach to life have been extraordinary. The story of Mary Kandia has been documented on the CES website. Mary is an outstanding student who has volunteered her time as a teaching assistant to mentor younger CES sponsored students at Namundera SS. She represents the hopes and dreams of many girls unable to attend school. Mary is indeed the “soul of her community” and her character and strong heart are mirrored in this poem.
Michael Frederiksen
