For years, Alinafe Girl’s Rescue Center has been a dream of Kanyenyeva Ministries (KM). Land has been purchased and a site plan is being developed but they don’t have sufficient funding to complete the center. This rescue center will provide safe housing, education, counseling, and skills training for girls and young women who have been released from underaged and forced marriages. While underaged and forced marriages are illegal in Malawi, they are still culturally acceptable in many areas. Kanyenyeva Ministries through Alinafe Girls Rescue Center is working to change the culture and help these girls. In 2025, KM will be exploring funding opportunities to complet
e the Rescue Center.
In the local language of central Malawi, Alinafe means Immanuel, God with us. Alinafe is also the name of girl from the orphan project who was forced to marry at a young age and could not finish her education. Alinafe lived in the Dowa district and was attending the local high school on a scholarship when she was 15. She was very intelligent, had a beautiful smile, and dreamed of becoming a nurse. She was also an orphan who lived with her aunt and uncle.
Sadly, at 16 her dreams of becoming a nurse were lost. Alinafe was forced to marry a man when she was just a girl. Her aunt and uncle arranged the marriage to alleviate the financial strain of having an extra person in the house to feed and clothe. Her bride price was about $26 USD. Her dreams of completing high school and becoming a nurse were over.
Now in her mid 20’s, she still has the same beautiful smile but does not seem to have the same life and energy that she had as a teenager. She was full of life and energy when she was able to go to school and had dreams of becoming a nurse. Instead, life has been difficult for her. Today she is married and has a young daughter. Her husband sells used shoes by the roadside. They live day to day, never knowing if they will have enough money to survive another week.
Alinafe Girls Rescue Center is one way to help change the culture so girls and young women have the opportunity to complete their education and learn a skill. You are invited to join these Malawians and help them change the culture of their country. Help them to provide a safe place for girls to go when they are released from a forced marriage. Help them to provide skills training, education, and counseling for girls and young women so they can support themselves.
Donate today to be a part of changing girl’s and women’s lives in Malawi. When you donate, please let us know you want your donation to help with Alinafe Girl’s Rescue Center.