By MN Reporter

Migori county education executive Samson Maginga has been an anti-FGM crusader for long before his current position, helping over 200 girls escape the vice during annual circumcision ceremony in Kuria.

Speaking to Migori News, Maginga said education remains the only way out to end female genital mutilation practices amongst the Kuria community .

“I have been running ‘Hope for Girls’ a community based organisation to provide all needed resources to support the girls especially towards achieving their dreams in education with an objective of helping reduce FGM practices in the community,” he sad.

He said since he started the initiative the first batch “of girls who we managed to rescue are currently pursuing their university education in different field and we expect them to be great ambassadors to other girls within their community.”

“We need to encourage them to focus on education rather than the cultural practice that promotes early marriages by working with parents and other girls,” he said.

“It’s high time the society accepts some of the disadvantages that comes with the practice and embrace education. The practice has really been affecting the education standards in the society through school drop outs to early marriages, deaths and prolonged stay at home to heal after going through the cut before they can resume learning.” Added Maginga.

His rescue center is at Kegonga town in Kuria East sub-county.

County director of Education Elizabeth Otieno applauded the move by his counterpart.

 “The government supports its agenda of ending FGM practices amongst communities in Kenya through provision of free education.  We have liaised with the police in the area to end the harmful act against our girls by also ensuring we bring to book those going against the governments’ directive.” Said Otieno.

She also called on other well-wishers to come and aid support to the CBO and help save lives and future for girls within the community.