Education and Empowerment for Refugee Girls

Leah was a 16-year-old teenage girl living in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) with her grandmother. Life took a tragic turn when a family dispute erupted over land inheritance between her grandmother and other relatives. Her father had already passed away years earlier after being fatally shot during a rebel attack on the vehicle he was traveling in.  

In 2016, Leah’s world crumbled further when her grandmother’s brother attacked their home. He fatally stabbed her grandmother and left her sister critically injured. Following these horrifying events, the relatives warned Leah and her siblings to vacate the land. Fearing for their lives, they had no choice but to flee to Kenya. “The wanted the land and there was no one to fight for us once my grandmother died. They used to send us threats every day and we had to run.”  

Without any documents, they crossed into Burundi and then traveled by boat toward the Tanzanian border. Along the way, they encountered a kind woman who hosted them for a few days before helping them reach the Tanzania-Kenya border. Once there, they spent several days sleeping on the streets until another stranger offered to pay for their transit to Nairobi.  

Upon arriving in Nairobi, Leah and her siblings sought help at the UNHCR offices. However, with no immediate assistance forthcoming, they ended up sleeping outside the gates, hoping for a resolution. Desperate, they contacted the well-wisher who had facilitated their journey to Nairobi. Thankfully, the woman was in Nairobi at the time and came to their aid, helping them get medical attention as their health had deteriorated from the harsh conditions. “My younger sisters had developed a severe flu, and we did not know what to do so we called the woman.”  

The woman sheltered them for a year, up until late 2017. However, due to limited resources, Leah and her siblings had to take on odd jobs to support themselves. Eventually, they moved into a single-room iron-sheet house. Leah took up work as a househelp, and her older sister, in a desperate bid for stability, agreed to marry an older man, hoping it would provide them with shelter.  

However, the marriage turned abusive, forcing them to leave the man’s home. With a baby on the way and no stable income, they moved into another iron-sheet single room. Their struggles deepened as they fell into debt, trying to make ends meet in the challenging environment of Nairobi. 

Leah first learned about RefuSHE through her sister, who had joined a savings group with other refugee women. This group eventually became part of RefuSHE’s Women’s Ambassador Groups (WAGs). In January 2024, while delivering her sister’s monthly contribution to the group, Leah met some of RefuSHE’s caseworkers. At the time, Leah had just completed her Kenya Certificate of Primary Education. After hearing her story, the caseworkers suggested that RefuSHE’s tailoring program would be an excellent opportunity for her. 

Today marks nearly one year since Leah joined RefuSHE’s Girls Empowerment Program. She reflects on how before meeting RefuSHE's caseworkers, all she ever wanted was a chance to support her older sister, who had worked tirelessly to care for them since they arrived in Kenya. Leah says the tailoring program provided her with the perfect opportunity to build a better future. “I can now use a sewing machine and make clothes,” she shares proudly. Beyond acquiring new skills, Leah has also made friends and integrated well with the Kenyan girls in her class, creating a sense of belonging she hadn’t felt in a long time. 

“I had given up hope of continuing with school. Life was hard already for my elder sister and so once I finished my primary education, I knew it was the end. But RefuSHE has given me a second chance. I am now dreaming of owning a tailoring workshop one day. I can even open a beauty shop on the side. I am sure soon I will begin supporting my sister.” 

Links:

• Learn more about RefuSHE's Girls Empowerment Program
• Read Our Latest Highlights Report!

Esther, 22, is the eldest of seven siblings. She had a happy life in the DRC with her farming parents and attended school up to Grade 6. However, when war erupted, she was forced to flee and became separated from her family. In 2016, she arrived alone and unaccompanied in Kenya, and while seeking safety and shelter, she became pregnant. 

Scared and unsure of her next steps, Esther reached out to friends who recommended her to RefuSHE. Our Case Management team made home visits to evaluate her situation, and she joined RefuSHE’s Safe House thereafter. During her stay, Esther received prenatal and medical care, counseling, and started attending life skills classes. 

After giving birth to her daughter, RefuSHE ensured that all her baby's needs, from diapers to food and safety, were met. After several months at the Safe House, taking care of her baby and her own health, Esther joined RefuSHE's Girls Empowerment Program (GEP). She started with basic education and successfully completed her Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (K.C.P.E). During her studies, her daughter was cared for at the onsite daycare. 

After completing primary education, Esther joined Grade Three tailoring for vocational training under the National Industrial Training Authority (NITA). Currently in Grade II, Esther is excited about joining RefuSHE's Artisan Collective program next year to build her skills in tailoring. One day, Esther aspires to become a renowned fashion designer. 

Looking back, Esther realizes that RefuSHE has put her on the road to self-sufficiency. As a mother to her 6-year-old daughter and 4-year-old son, she now has access to education. Additionally, Esther is learning skills that will enable her to start her own business and become financially independent.  

Links:

• Learn more about RefuSHE's Girls Empowerment Program
• Learn more about RefuSHE's impact