#1 Celebrating our First Four-Year University Graduate

#2 English Language Class

Our E.D./Founder, Tamara, spent July at the training center and launched an English Language class. Based on the girls' response, this will continue.

On the final day of classes, there were a few tears, many hugs, 'I love you's' and one class wouldn't leave! They wanted more. 

And the girls loved their new notebooks and pink Studio Samuel pens.

#3 Taekwondo

Our former blackbelt student is now our Taekwondo instructor and a treasured leader for our girls. The class continues to be one of the girls' favorite as it provides self-esteem and self-defense.

"I need to know how to protect myself in violence." 
                                                            ~ a 9 year old SSF student

#4 Micro Lending Program

Hilawi, SSF Country Director, presented our micro-lending program at YALI (President Obama's Young African Leaders Initiative) last year. There was much interest in the model due to the 90% repayment rate and peer-based support system.
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Site visits were a highlight of this trip. To hear the success stories (and challenges) firsthand is valuable as we continue building out the program.

#5 Our Kenyan Friends

Grateful for the invitation to spend time with the girls of Kibera Girls Soccer Academy while in Nairobi, Kenya.

We heard their powerful stories and we also shared a bit of information about their peers at Studio Samuel. When their director asked, 'Who would like to start a friendship with the girls of Studio Samuel?' It was a unanimous loud squeal of YEEESSSSS!!! 

And of course, there were equally loud squeals when we asked our girls. Let the video chatting begin!