By Ariana Erickson | Executive Strategist of Engagement
Amara’s* life dramatically changed during Ethiopia’s 2010 parliamentary elections. At this time, Amara, her parents, and younger brother lived a comfortable life in Ethiopia. Amara’s father worked for the Ethiopian government until he declined to play a part in certain political campaigns. His colleagues began to accuse him of being disloyal to the government. He was eventually fired from his job and arrested on political grounds.
These events catalyzed significant changes for Amara’s life. A month after her father was arrested and placed in detention, the same officers returned to Amara's house and arrested her mother. Ten-year-old Amara and her younger brother were left alone to care for themselves. Six months later, Amara’s mother was released on the condition that she would present her husband in a week’s time as he had allegedly escaped from detention. Of course, Amara's mother had no idea where her husband was, so she, Amara, and Amara’s younger brother packed up their lives and left for Kenya a few days later.
Once Amara, her mother, and brother arrived in Kenya, they were met by an Ethiopian woman in the Central Business District of Nairobi. They lived with this woman for three years as Amara’s mother pursued various jobs to contribute to the home’s finances. One day, Amara’s mother left for work and never returned. Eventually, the woman Amara and her brother were living with kicked them out of the home as she couldn’t afford to take care of them on her own.
Amara and her brother went to the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) office to discuss their situation. Once there, UNHCR staff introduced Amara to RefuSHE where she enrolled in the Girls Empowerment Program (GEP) and began taking classes.
Though Amara feels sad that she was never able to find her mother, she is hopeful for her future. Since joining RefuSHE in 2017 at the age of 17, Amara has become an active member of the Artisan Collective, earning a monthly stipend which helps her to provide for herself, as well as save for her future. She enjoys learning new skills like tailoring and dreams of becoming a fashion designer one day.
*her name has been changed due to safety and protection concerns
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