Education and Empowerment for Refugee Girls

I grew up in Ethiopia with my parents and four siblings. My family was part of the Oromo Liberation Front (OLF). In early 2014, my mother and father were arrested by the government for being a part of OLF. They were eventually released but never came back home. Left alone with no one to care for us, my Aunt took me and my siblings in. But she could not afford to take care of all of us for very long, so as the oldest I decided to go out on my own. I caught a ride from a truck driver to Moyale, which is on the border of Ethiopia and Kenya, and then from there I arrived in the Eastleigh neighborhood in Nairobi.

I knew no one in Eastleigh, so I was forced to sleep on the streets for two nights with no food. I was approached by an Ethiopian man who tried to marry me by force, so I ran away as far as I could to escape him. I managed to find the Heshima Kenya offices and they took me to their Safe House, where I was provided with food and a place to sleep, as well as protection.

I was enrolled in the Girls’ Empowerment Program at Heshima Kenya where I began learning in Level 1. I received no formal education in Ethiopia, so I was thrilled to finally start learning. I was also enrolled in the vocational training class where I began learning skills like tailoring. I now know five different forms of seams and how to draft and sew a skirt. I am very proud of the skills that I have learned, and I hope that they will be able to provide me with an income for my future. This year, I completed my tailoring course and sat for a tailoring exam in December.

At Heshima Kenya, I have found a family. We love each other and live and work as sisters - to support one another while we are all finding our way in a new country. I have greatly benefited from Heshima Kenya, and I am grateful for all that they have provided me with. They have not only provided me with my basic needs and an education, but the confidence and self-esteem that has made me into the woman I am today. I am currently registered with UNHCR and am hopeful that my resettlement case will be approved. I am grateful for the new life Heshima Kenya has given me. Thank you.