FGM project in Kenya described as ‘ perhaps the most challenging’

A project aimed at combating female genital mutilation ( FGM) has received a substantial cash boost from the Kirk.

The Church of Scotland Guild donated more than £140,00 to the Feed the Minds, Breaking the Cycle of FGM, in Kenya. Marge Paterson, national convener of the Guild, told the General Assembly that it was “perhaps the most challenging of all the projects”.

Ms Pat er son, from Cumnock in Ayrshire, said: ““The project has enabled so many girls and young women to be spared the indignity of cutting but has also changed attitudes amongst men and boys.”

A number of schools and churches in Kenya have remained open over holidays to shelter girls afraid togo home, fearing FGM.

A fifth of Kenyan women between the ages of 15 and 49 have been circumcised, government figures say.

FGM was outlawed in Kenya in 2001 for girls, while those over the age of 16 can in theory, decide for themselves.

The Guild has raised a total of more than £ 700,000 over three years, by holding events such as coffee mornings and sponsored events, for six life- changing projects in Scotland and overseas.

The total is one of the highest cash sums raised by the Guild which has about 19,000 members, including 600 who joined last year.

The Guild also raised funds for Caring for Mother Earth in Bolivia, a Christian Aid project which is transforming the lives of women by introducing solar ovens, and for Mission International, a project developing a church, a community centre and a school in Haiti.

Massai cricket star Ole Ngais and his team mates are fighting FGM by refusing to marry women who have undergone the procedure.