Magdalen Program
Magdalene Program began with a circle of courageous women who are transitioning out of lives shaped by prostitution. Nearly all of them are mothers, raising children who range in age from birth to adulthood. Their shared experiences have created a powerful foundation for healing growth, and change.
Amazing Grace Empowerment Community-based Organization (AGECBO)
In mid-February 2025, Patience Wairimu met with Sr. Mary Paul, along with 40 other women and their children. Sr. Mary Paul shares Patience’s story:
“I work closely with Patience, a mother of two, whose journey away from street life has taken fifteen years. When she decided to change her path, she also wanted to help others do the same. With few resources, she gathered friends who were ready for a fresh start. Our paths crossed during her struggle to support the group while changing her own life, and since then, we’ve been walking this journey together.”
"Patience Waimiru is a resilient and visionary woman. Her dedication, compassion, deep empathy allow her to connect profoundly with those who are still finding their way. We speak daily sharing stories, dreams, hope as we guide and nurture this group."
Sister Mary Paul was inspired by Patience’s kindness and strong leadership in helping women break free from prostitution. After their meeting, she and Sister Toni warmly embraced the opportunity to support Patience and the 40 women in her group, believing their ministry was a perfect match for the African Ministry Fund.
Patience, a former street woman, contacted Sr. Mary Paul and asked her to meet with her and four of her friends. When Sister Mary Paul arrived for the meeting, over forty women had gathered with their children
With this encouragement Patience gathered the women and formed a group. It was registered by the local authorities as a community-based organization. The group’s official name is Amazing Grace Empowerment Community-Based Organization (AGECBO).
The African Ministry Fund now helps Patience support less-fortunate women by offering a way out of the sex trade, safe shelter, and care and education for them and their children. The women learn new skills and gain tools to live productive, respectable lives.
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The organization’s goals are to:
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Support vulnerable women and children with education, health care, counseling, and vocational training.
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Create a nurturing environment that promotes self-sufficiency, resilience, and community integration, helping each woman and child thrive independently.
Sr. Mary Paul explains, "Through word of mouth they are hearing about us and come seeking help. We start by giving them some food for themselves and their children." We look for schools and get the children enrolled whenever possible.
We help families find safe homes and cover rent when needed, while supporting women to start small businesses, often selling market goods. We also connect them to skill-building programs. Over time, they earn enough to pay rent, care for their children, save, and form loan groups. Together, they’re moving from the streets to safer, brighter futures.