Emmanuel Hospital Association, India CONNECTED CHURCH Emmanuel Hospital Association, India

TAKING COURAGE January 2017

What do you think is the average age for people to get married in the UK? Notes to leader: Use this question as a way to get people engaged in the update. Ask people to talk to the person next to them, and then feedback to you. The answer (according to research done by the Independent) is 32 for men and 30 for women

At just 16 Amina* was forced into marriage by her parents who were struggling to cope with the burden of providing for a large family Like many children, Amina* (name changed to protect identity) loves learning: after finishing primary school she was keen to stay on in education. But Amina’s parents are very poor. They are from a Mahadalit community where most people work as agricultural labourers, including her parents. It is very rare for anyone to own land, and literacy rates in the community are very low. This is largely because of the costs involved in attending school mean most children cannot afford to finish their education. This has been a challenge that Amina’s family have faced too. Despite their hard work, the strain of providing for their family put immense pressure on Amina’s parents. So they arranged for Amina to marry. Photo does not show Amina. Generic photo used for demonstrative purposes.

‘My parents think that as I am now 16 and the eldest of my family I should get married and no longer be a burden.’ She explains: ‘My parents think that as I am now 16 and the eldest of my family I should get married and no longer be a burden.’ Her parents are not alone in making a decision like this. Traditionally, marriages will be arranged for girls, with many marrying as children.

Amina has done something different. With EHA’s support she has gained the confidence and knowledge to understand that there is another way. However Amina has done something different. She opposed the proposal, refusing to marry so young. Then she joined a new group within her community, a development project which has been designed for adolescents. They have been learning all about subjects relevant to their age group, like personal health and hygiene, though two subjects have been of special interest to Amina. They focus on how important education is and the negative effects of child marriage. Since joining the group Amina’s relationship with her family has improved a lot and her parents are allowing her to finish her education. Her parents have become involved in a project to help strengthen their livelihood, and they have even opened up their own home to host the group which Ahilya is involved with. She is very happy, and is encouraging her friends too. Having learnt more about the importance of education and the effects of marrying young she wants to make sure they have the best of opportunities too.

PRAYER Please pray for Amina and her family as they stand against the status quo. Ask God for courage, strength, wisdom and love to cover each of them