Myself and two other student midwives recently undertook an elective placement in Pokot, Kenya. Whilst we were out there we met an inspirational student nurse about to embark on her final year of nursing training. Everlyne is a third year student nurse, mother, feminist and anti-FGM activist in Pokot, Kenya. She was kind enough to take us under her wing and showed us the ropes at our new placement hospital. Everlyne had so much knowledge and experience to share with us, we were truly inspired by her passion and drive to care for her community.

Not only does Everlyne have to keep up with her studies and complete her allotted placement hours but she is also a highly valued group member of 'Kempsteno Rotwo Tipin' (Abandon the knife). She plays a huge rule in educating the communities and tribes in West Pokot and the surrounding areas on the health dangers and rights violations FGM imposes, whilst empowering the local women with her own inspirational story of avoiding FGM during her own childhood. A highly valuable aspect of her role in the group involves providing counselling for those young girls escaping FGM and child marriage, many of whom have experienced unimaginable abuse.

Everlyne has overcome many obstacles and sacrificed so much to achieve the level of education she now possesses. Her passion and commitment to become a nurse/midwife is truly inspiring; to get so far in a country where women's education is not a priority, is truly amazing. Unfortunately her current sponsor is no longer able to continue to sponsor her for the rest of her nurse training, and she is now being held hostage by her nursing school. She is not permitted to leave the site of the hospital to visit her four children until she produces the fees that are outstanding.

The fee's required amount to £1000 for the final year of her training, however any donation is appreciated.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read Everlyne's story :)

Emma, Chantel and Izzy xxxxx