The Latest from the Tali Fund
spring Summer 2026
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school holidays: more than just a break—
a time for healing, growth, and rediscovery
This April, the shelter was home to 55 girls and 16 babies. During the academic trimesters, most of the girls are away at boarding school (a key to their eventual success), but April is one of the months when the girls head “home” to TAGS.
During the school holidays, TAGS is a place for the girls to rest, learn, and simply be children again.
Studying during Spring Break
There is outdoor play with much laughter. Inside, there is craft creativity with musical and other enrichment. Holiday tutoring keeps the girls on track with their education.
Always, the deeper work of healing proceeds. Group counseling sessions help rebuild their confidence. Daily devotion moments—through song, reflection, and shared faith—offer comfort, strength, and a renewed sense of purpose.
Thank you to the dedicated and hands-on staff at TAGS and CDTD who make this all happen. We remain honored to support your work.
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A DAY OF CARE AND CLARITY
A team of dedicated eye care specialists from Optica Kenya visited the shelter and provided free eye check-up services to the girls this spring. For many, it was their very first eye examination, essential for better health and improved learning.
Eye health screening at TAGS—because everyone deserves this!
Beyond the screenings, the specialists shared guidance on eye care and how to protect their vision. The girls were reminded that their health matters, that they deserve to see the world clearly, both literally and in terms of their future.
Thank you Optica Kenya!
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from one of our students
Here is a letter from Quinter J, a “keypal” correspondent with one of our safari veterans, attorney Bill Rothschild. Quinter is currently working her way through law school.
Dear Bill,
... happy to share a few professional updates.
I am currently undertaking a two-year paid internship with the Kenya National Union of Domestic Workers. Through this role, I assist in representing domestic workers in employment-related matters. It has been a very enriching experience because I am gaining practical skills that complement what I learned in school. I have the opportunity to learn directly from my supervisors as they guide me through how cases are handled in practice. It has helped me appreciate that many of the most valuable lessons in the legal profession are learned through hands-on experience and mentorship.
Quinter J.
One particularly exciting development is that my supervisor recently presented my name to the Employment and Labour Relations Court as a focal person for four counties in Kenya. In this role, I will help coordinate and follow up on matters affecting domestic workers and vulnerable women before the court. It is a tremendous honor, and I am genuinely excited about the opportunity and responsibility. It will also allow me to work closely with advocates from different areas of legal practice, which I believe will greatly contribute to my professional growth.
My plan is to resume my studies at the Kenya School of Law in 2028 while continuing to build practical experience in labour rights and access to justice for vulnerable workers.
…
I hope all is well with you and your family and loved ones...
Warm regards,
Quinter
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Oxfam Kenya—and Canada—to the Rescue!
With many health and life support programs by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) ending, Oxfam Kenya has stepped in to fill part of the gap.
Funded by Global Affairs Canada —Time to Care and the Government of Canada, Oxfam Kenya has allocated the equivalent of more than $600,000 USD to identify domestic workers who can act as leaders, do the work of advocacy, be paid fairly, engage with employers, seek redress, etc. CDTD (TAGS’ parent organization) and TAGS are among the beneficiaries.
The program does not compare in size to USAID, but as always, every bit helps. Thank you, Oxfam Kenya and Global Affairs Canada, for making this difference in our world.
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Nairobians Raise Money for TAGS
Edith Murogo, TAGS’ Founder, CEO, and Guiding Light showing the flag!
On March 28, 2026, Kenyan supporters of TAGS came to Karura Forest for the TAGS Fundraising Walk—in solidarity with girls and young women rebuilding their lives after exploitation, abuse, and gender-based violence.
More than 300 people participated, with many stepping forward not only in presence but in generosity. The initiative raised a significant sum for the TAGS Education Fund, helping girls return to school and pursue brighter futures.
Plans are underway to grow the TAGS Walk into an annual flagship event.
Benson Wanjohi, Master Safari Guide, limbering up before the walk. (Benson is one of the many reasons our safaris are as wonderful as they are.)
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winter 2026
israel’s ambassador visits TAGS!
The season has gotten off to an exciting begininng. So far, the highlights have been two visits to TAGS by Israeli delegations. The first one was from the Israel’s Ambassador to Kenya, the Hon. Gideon Behar, the Deputy Ambassador, Ariel Arviv, and other diplomatic officials. The second included representatives from Israel’s Social Workers Union, the Association for Social Work Advancement, and the Histadrut General Labor Federation. Expertise on gender-based violence (GBV), human trafficking, and other challenges common to the countries was shared during a convocation.
Hon Gideon Behar, Ambassador of Israel to Kenya and East Africa, greets the girls at TAGS. This is NOT diplomat speak. (1:01)
All of it was coordinated with Israel’s MAHSHAV program, which was established as that country’s foreign aid project in the 1950s by David Ben-Gurion and Golda Meir. But this was not really a “foreign aid project.” Rather it was a partnership initiative between Israeli and Kenyan Social Work organizations convened to address shared concerns among their respective society’s most vulnerable citizens.
Kenyans and Israelis, social workers and beneficiaries, engaging at TAGS. January, 2026
Out of all the Shelters in the country, the fact that the Embassy chose TAGS is a tremendous tribute to Edith Murogo, her staff, and TAGS' program. It is likewise a recognition of the bridges the Tali Fund has built with the Kenyan Jewish community. We are reminded that Israel is the second country to grace TAGS with an Ambassadorial visit—the first one being the United States in 2024 (scroll down when you get there). We can’t wait to see who is next! Kindly understand that none of this would have been possible without YOUR support. Thank you!
Singing Le’hitraot — (Until next time”.)
Those TAGS girls have spirit! And they’re pretty good at Hebrew, too! (0:23)
2025 was a year of academic triumph for TAGS
Future Graduates at Work
A note from TAGS' Educational Coordinators:
For girls whose education had been interrupted by hardship beyond their control, the classroom once again became a place of healing, hope, and excellence.
In a system where national examinations are highly competitive and often determine a child’s future, 10 of our girls rose to the challenge and sat for their national exams. We are proud to share that three girls earned admission to National Secondary Schools—a milestone that opens doors to opportunity and leadership. At the same time, six girls successfully completed their O-Level examinations and are now progressing to some of the country’s best colleges and institutions of higher learning. These achievements reflect not only academic success, but resilience reclaimed and confidence restored.
These results are more than grades. They are living proof that when girls are safe, supported, and believed in, they thrive. At TAGS, education is not simply a program—it is a pathway to dignity, self-belief, and a transformed future.
We celebrate these milestones with deep gratitude, because none of this would be possible without you. Your generosity, trust, and unwavering support are the foundation upon which these dreams are rebuilt and fulfilled. You make it possible for our girls not only to return to school, but to excel. May you be blessed beyond measure—for investing in futures that are now bright with promise. 💛
Erin takes the girls camping—again!
For the fourth consecutive year, Erin Morrison leads the TAGS girls
on an expedition of awareness and self-discovery
Erin's nature-wilderness camp programs help the girls develop self-reliance and new skills, and facilitates the expansion of their personal horizons. They are extracurricular activities in keeping with our philosophy of doing everything for the girls of TAGS that we would want to do for our own children.
Erin Morrison, Founder, ”End of the Earth Camping”
Heading into the Oolulua Nature Reserve. What will we find? What will we encounter? What will we have to overcome? (Remember, this is Africa!) Love the can-do spirit!
Moments of learning and reflection, Erin engaging the girls in conversation. Every word was a seed of encouragement, reminding the girls that growth begins from within.
thank you erin, for sharing you time and talents, and for coming all the way from the florida keys (!) to illuminate these lives. you are a precious to each of us!
a TAGS impact story—the essence of our work
latest in a series:
BEATRICE WANJIKU MACHARIA
most of TAGS’ work is not for the “highlight reel.”
Here’s a first-person look behind the curtain.
My name is Beatrice Wanjiku Macharia, a 22-year-old from Njabini, Nyandarua County, and the eldest of five siblings. I grew up in a humble home and attended Kimathi Primary School, With great hope, I joined a secondary school to pursue my dreams.
However, when I reached Form Two (tenth grade), my life took a painful turn. My stepfather refused to pay my school fees, and my mother, who had no job at the time, could not support me. One fateful evening, my mother took my younger sibling to the hospital, leaving us at home with my stepfather. That night, he brought juice for us. After serving it, I started feeling dizzy, and the next morning, woke up confused and violated. I kept silent, not knowing what to do or who to tell.
Despite the pain, I tried to continue with school. My principal noticed I was struggling with fees and reached out for help. Through her efforts, a children's officer named Ann intervened and arranged for me to be taken to the hospital, where I learned I was pregnant. I was devastated. My dreams seemed shattered, and I felt my world crumble.
In 2019, Ann brought me to TAGS, and that was the beginning of my healing journey. When I arrived, I was lost, hopeless, and afraid, but the team at TAGS welcomed me with warmth and love. Through counseling, guidance, and care, I began to find peace again. TAGS provided me with all my basic needs, and later, I was transferred to Kiota to safely give birth.
After delivery, TAGS supported me to return to school. They paid my school fees, provided pocket money and personal shopping, and ensured I had everything I needed. With their continued support, I completed my high school education in 2022, achieving a C (Plain).
In 2023, I joined Kabete National Polytechnic, where I am pursuing a Diploma as a Hospitality Operations Technician. I am set to complete my studies in December 2025, with my next attachment scheduled between January and April 2026.
My dream is to become self-employed, live an independent and dignified life, and use my experience to empower other girls, to help them understand their rights, believe in themselves, and never give up no matter what challenges they face.
I often say that black represents the dark and painful moments I went through, but white symbolizes the peace, hope, and light that TAGS brought into my life.
To Mum Edith and the entire TAGS team, thank you for accepting me, believing in me, and giving me the chance to rebuild the future I once thought was lost. The biggest lesson I’ve learned at TAGS is that girls should support each other, because sisterhood brings healing. Through my TAGS sisters, I found courage, love, and strength to start again.
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Thank you for sharing your story, Beatrice. We are in awe of your resilience and courage--and we are honored to support you on your journey and those of your sisters.
