In the Rift Valley of Kenya, the Samburu, a tribe of about a half million people, continue to live a traditional pastoralist lifestyle. Even the youth are proud of their identity and heritage, dancing energetically in traditional shukas and beads to celebrate their culture. But some aspects of the culture are harmful to girls, like Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and forced child marriage.

Ramat Empowerment Initiative was founded and is directed by Josphine Naramat Lentiyani. Josphine, a Samburu herself, is passionate about ending FGM and child marriage. She has assembled a team of fellow Samburu, and they work to educate village elders and empower children, always being sensitive to Samburu customs including the right of elders to make decisions for the girls in their villages. By using a respectful approach, rather than a confrontational one, they are gaining support even among traditional rural villages.

Ramat programs include educational scholarships, empowerment clubs, village visits, a safe house for the youngest children, and alternative rite-of-passage ceremonies to replace FGM. When working with traumatized children, love and joy are vital components of healing, so Josphine also incorporates celebrations and fun activities - even camping trips - into her work.

Ramat Empowerment Initiative is committed to strengthening her people and her culture - both by ending harmful practices and by celebrating and preserving their cultural heritage, with its strong sense of community, respect for elders, and mutual care.