By Madeline Balser | Development & Communications Coordinator
Christine fled her home in the Congo when she was 11 years old due to ongoing violent conflict. She left her home and followed the other people in her village who were running to safety. The group walked for many kilometers and eventually entered Uganda traveling in a lorry. Christine was able to find work as a househelper there which she did for seven years.
During this period, Christine managed to save enough money to travel to Kenya, where she heard there were organizations that help refugees. With enough savings, she took a bus from Uganda to Nairobi, via the Busia border. She reached Nairobi in April 2018 and stayed with one of the women she travelled with who offered to host her as she adjusted to her new life. Unfortunately, after a few months, her host felt burdened by the extra mouth to feed and asked her to leave. Christine faced many threats being on her own and she was connected to HIAS for support. They helped her find accommodation, provided counseling, and helped her with prenatal and postnatal care.
After several months at her new residence with another young woman also being supported by HIAS, the roommates fell out as Christine did not have any money to contribute towards their bills. Christine was then referred to RefuSHE by a community incentive worker. She joined RefuSHE’s Safe House where she stayed for seven months before joining the Girls Empowerment Program (GEP) in January 2022. Christine now receives education, medical care, mentla health counseling, food, transportation, life skills training, clothes, mentorship programs, self-care services, and childcare for her baby.
Before joining the Girls Empowerment Program at RefuSHE, Christine struggled to pay rent, lacked food and clothing, and could not access medical care. She was insecure, fearful, and hopeless. She could neither express herself well nor socialize with others. After joining RefuSHE, Christine now lives in a house with water and electricity, can pay her rent, and afford food and clothing. She also receives medical care and psychosocial support and feels more secure.
Through her involvement in the Girls Empowerment Program, Christine has gained skills in both literacy and numeracy, has acquired useful life skills, and has made like-minded friends. Christine states that her life has improved greatly, she feels confident, and has a sense of belonging and security. She is grateful for the support that RefuSHE has given her in terms of education, financial assistance, case management, and provision of basic needs which has helped her build hope for her future and set her on a path towards self-reliance.
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