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Today we were lucky to be given a real insider's view of life in the Nairobi slums. Some of the girls took us to their homes and introduced us to their families and the way they live everyday.

Quite honestly, it was an extremely overwhelming and humbling experience. All of these girls live in small homes constructed of tin. There is a dirt floor, no water, no toilet, and very little space. In one case, we were introduced to a mother raising 8 children on her own in one single room. I was shocked to see these living conditions and saddened by the hardships that these families are forced to face.

Yet despite such harsh surroundings, each family greeted us with smiles and graciously welcomed us to join them for tea and a conversation. They shared with us their stories along with their hopes for the future. Many of the mothers are thrilled that their daughters have joined Safe Spaces as they see it as an opportunity for the entire family. With the skills the girls are leaning in the Safe Spaces program, the mothers are confident that their daughters will have much brighter futures and will be able to serve as examples to their younger siblings.

Above are a few pictures of two of the families we visited - Helen's mother and a few of her siblings, as well as Sabina and her son and mother. I have also included a shot of one of the slums where Helen lives.