Educate and Empower Trafficked and Abused Girls

Blige Wanjiku Shikoli is a 25-year-old young woman whose journey is a powerful story of resilience, courage, and transformation. Today, she proudly serves as a fully fledged military officer in the Kenya Defence Forces, a remarkable achievement that once seemed far beyond her reach.

Blige’s life was marked by hardship from a young age. In 2014, at just 14 years old and in Class 7, she lost her mother. As the third born in a family of five siblings, she suddenly found herself navigating life without parental support. Her father became distant and uninterested in their wellbeing, leaving the children to struggle for survival.

In the midst of grief and loneliness, Blige entered into a relationship with a man who initially appeared supportive. However, in 2015, when she became pregnant, he abandoned her, leaving her to face the challenges of motherhood alone. With nowhere else to turn, she returned to her rural home to live with her aunt.

Unfortunately, life there was equally difficult. Blige endured mistreatment and daily hardship. During this period, she met another man who promised her love and stability. Trusting him, she entered into a relationship and later became pregnant again. In 2017, she discovered that he was married and had returned to his family, leaving her once more alone and responsible for her child, without any support.

Determined to change her circumstances, Blige made the bold decision to move to Nairobi in search of a better life. However, upon arrival, she was met with rejection and abuse from her father, who was living there. He subjected her to both verbal and physical abuse until a concerned relative intervened and reported the situation to theauthorities.

This intervention became a turning point in her life. Blige was rescued and taken to Talia Agler Girls Shelter (TAGS), where she finally found safety, compassion, and hope. When she arrived, she was fearful and unsure of herself, but she expressed one simple wish: to return to school.

At TAGS, Blige received comprehensive support that transformed her life. She was provided with basic needs including food, shelter, clothing, and a safe environment. The shelter also supported her education by covering school fees, providing uniforms and learning materials, and offering academic support. Through psychosocial counseling, she began to heal from the trauma she had experienced.

The organization also ensured that her children were safe and cared for by facilitating their placement at Kipepeo Children’s Home. There, they received proper care, education, and access to essential services, giving Blige the peace of mind she needed to focus on rebuilding her life.