A NEWPORT woman has been appointed executive director of a charity which aims to help orphaned girls in Kenya.

Jenny Roach is now executive director of Hekima Place, which is a home for orphaned and vulnerable girls in Kajiado County, Kenya.

The home currently looks after 90 girls, ranging in age from seven months to 27 years.

Ms Roach, a graduate of the University of South Wales (USW), said: “We truly help these girls to fulfil their dreams in a way that will not only benefit them, but will improve Kenya.

“Two of our students, who are sisters, have now started their own NGO in one of the slums of Nairobi, assisting teenage mothers to access education by providing school fees and a day care centre for their children.

“Their work makes me so proud, and it is truly inspiring to see the difference they are now making and the lives they are impacting, because of the opportunities we have given them when they found themselves alone and in need.”

As part of her role, Ms Roach will also manage 27 staff and is responsible for the wellbeing and progress of all the girls in her care.

She added: “My job is like no other I have experienced.

“I am so grateful to the teaching staff on both the youth and community work and global governance courses at USW for providing me with the knowledge, experience, confidence and strength to overcome every challenge that is placed in front of me, as the head of this incredible organisation and family.”