June 2012
Ruth is one of twenty-three children born in a polygamous household. Ruth’s mother took her ten children and chose to raise them on her own, despite being unemployed and illiterate. Ruth enrolled in school for the first time at the age of 10, walking six kilometers each way. Ruth immediately excelled as a student and ended her first year at the top of her class. Despite her evident talent, Ruth’s mother was intent on marrying her off at the age of 14 in order to relieve the family’s extreme poverty. After running away from home several times, she came to the attention of MGEF, and Ruth is now back in school with dreams of becoming a doctor.
Date of Birth: 01/12/1998
Start Grade: 5th Grade (Class 5)
Current Grade: 12th Grade (Form 4)
School: Noonkopir Girls’ Secondary School
Sponsored: Yes