Abuse was varied; at times she was forced to carry a huge jerrycan of water and other times denied food for severals days; forced to pick scraps off the street and even scavenge alcohol to try and satisfy her hunger. Then the few clothes she had would be burned. A regular death threat was to cut off her head during the night… how do you got to sleep as a young child with that fear hanging over you?

By this time Mary was attending our school and the welfare team decided to take action. They reported the stepfather to the Police, which arrested and released him, but the beatings continued. The team persevered and eventually it was agreed with the authorities that she could live in our childrens’ home, where she has blossomed into a very happy, friendly girl who loves studying and has been quick to learn how to wash her clothes, cook and look after herself.

Mary will shortly start back at school in P7 year and has one more year of primary school; then she would like to go on to secondary school and eventually university!

Please could you help us save more young children from the horrors of abuse and poverty? If so, could you consider sponsoring a child through their education for just £15 per month? Click here for details.