While in Liberia, we had a beautiful time with the Girls at “Finding Myself Initiative.”
It was so inspiring to hear the girls share how they have been helped through this ministry and their deep love and appreciation for Darlyn Richards, their mentor.
Each girl shared a variety of reasons why they keep coming out to the gatherings and how much Darlyn’s mentorship has helped them. She teaches them how to have purpose, to believe in their dreams, how to overcome challenges, and most of all to find their identity in God.
Each girl is valued and has a sense of belonging. They can open up to Darlyn and know that when they share their hearts, they have found a safe place.
Darlyn reaching out to the young women
Provision of Hope supports this ministry financially so that the girls can receive personal toiletries each month. Many girls in Liberia drop out of school, often due to significant social challenges. As noted on the UNFPA website, “Teenage pregnancy contributes significantly to dropout rates among school-going girls, and 67 percent of adolescent girls with no education are mothers, compared to 17 percent of those with secondary and higher education. In addition, 26 percent of adolescent pregnancies are unintended, and 30 percent end in unsafe abortion, according to UNFPA’s website.
This is why we believe it is essential to reach out to young girls in Liberia. UNFPA further states, “Early marriage and teenage pregnancy are common among girls. Nearly 11 percent of females initiate sex between the ages of 11 and 14.”
Darlyn with her niece Mai, who lives with her
Darlyn and the girls during our recent visit
Darlyn encourages these girls to stay focused in school, to live in sexual purity, and to stay strong in their relationship with Jesus. She is making a huge impact on their lives and the way they think about their futures. Darlyn has been our Youth Counselor since January 2025. She regularly visits our Children’s Homes to speak with our youth. See Meet Our Youth Counselor to know more about the ministry.
We maintain strong partnerships with local leaders in Liberia who are dedicated to supporting our girls.
Please pray for our girls and for Darlyn as she serves them, that the girls may receive guidance with open hearts and that Darlyn is strengthened in her work.