“Rachel” by Ruth Joray

“Rachel is an only child and her mother died shortly after giving birth. Her father is still alive but is retrenched. This means he is retired but not receiving benefits from the government. He is in a remote village and cannot afford to take care of Rachel. Her stepmother wanted her to leave the home or marry her off at an early age. She sometimes visits her village and stays with her grandmother. She was directed to the El-Shadai home when she was very depressed and was feeling her life was

hopeless. Uncle Stephen negotiated with her school to allow her to continue studying despite her unpaid fees. She is at a boarding school and stays at the El-Shadai home during holidays.”