Education and Empowerment for Refugee Girls

Cynthia is a 17-year-old refugee girl who came to RefuSHE in October 2020. Originally from DR Congo, she grew up with her mother, father, sisters, and brother in a two-room hut in Turambo, Mimbunda, DRC. Her parents were both farmers and she and her siblings were able to attend school and have a peaceful upbringing. 

Three years ago, Cynthia fled Turambo town for nearby Uvira in DRC and traveled by foot for two days. She then linked up with other Congolese refugees who were fleeing the country due to war. She spent three days with them traveling by road to Uganda then to Kenya. Cynthia had to leave her parents and siblings behind to cross the border. In 2018, she began sharing an apartment with a Congolese friend in Nairobi. Unfortunately, once Cynthia found out she was pregnant, her friend moved out and abandoned her. Cynthia was filled with hopelessness and was unable to afford rent. She was forced to seek help from Umoja’s Congolese Chairman, who then referred her to RefuSHE.  

Since arriving at RefuSHE, Cynthia has received psychosocial counseling, medical support, food, shelter, clothing, basic English classes, Zumba classes, cottage skills, and life skills. Her 8-month-old baby, Zahabu, has developmental delays which makes Cynthia feel sad and overwhelmed at times. However, Zahabu is now in therapy which allows Cynthia to feel a sense of joy and gratitude. Cynthia’s favorite subject in school is mathematics and she hopes to complete her studies and gain employment so she can support herself and her child. 

Links:

• RefuSHE: A community for Refugee Girls, by Refugee Girls