ROYCE'S STORY - forced to marry a stranger
In Zambia, 39 per cent of girls are married as children. Royce was one of those girls. But now, she finally has the chance to reach her potential.
At just 15 years old, Royce was forced to marry a stranger. Terrified, she tried to escape the marriage, but the women of the village told her she had to do what her husband asked.
Royce suffered an abusive marriage for four years and during this time she had a daughter. Thankfully, she eventually found the courage to take her daughter, leave her husband and return to school.
Once back at school, she joined a club set up by Plan International UK called Girl Power.
She now works with the club as an advocate, sharing her story and raising awareness among other young girls about the dangers child marriage can bring and the importance of receiving education.
GIRL POWER CLUBS HELP GIRLS:
ROYCE TURNED HER LIFE AROUND
Royce is now one of the best students in class. She's also school president – a role allowing her voice to finally be heard and respected by all!
She's determined to study for as long as possible and one day hopes to work for the Zambian government, enforcing laws to prevent child marriage.
Royce's remarkable story shows just one of many barriers the world's poorest children face.
Your ongoing support will help more children like her change their realities day by day. We look forward to updating you soon on another child's progress!