Empower 60 Survivors: Safe Haven at Lotus School

The Empower 60 Survivors: Safe Haven at Lotus School initiative continues to bring transformation, safety, and renewed purpose to girls and young women who have endured severe trauma, abuse, and exploitation. Over the past few months, our team has created a nurturing environment within the Lotus Flower Community School where survivors are provided with not only formal education but also life-skills training, counseling, and emotional healing sessions.

Many of the beneficiaries entered the program carrying deep emotional scars and feelings of isolation. Today, they are slowly reclaiming their confidence through psychosocial support, peer mentorship, and vocational activities such as tailoring, baking, and computer literacy. These programs help survivors regain their independence and envision a future free from fear and dependency.

One touching story is that of Grace (name changed for privacy), a 16-year-old survivor who came to us withdrawn and unable to communicate. After months of counseling and joining our art therapy sessions, she now participates in debates and helps younger girls with reading. Her smile alone speaks volumes about the healing power of compassion and consistent support.

We are deeply grateful to our donors and partners for their continued generosity. However, the demand for safe learning and rehabilitation spaces is growing. Your support helps us continue providing meals, educational materials, counseling, and vocational training to empower every survivor to become a beacon of hope for others. Together, we are not only changing lives—we are restoring futures.

Since our last update, we’ve made significant strides in creating a secure and empowering environment for 60 survivors of gender-based violence at Lotus Flower Community School in Kawama Slum, Ndola. With your continued support, we’ve been able to provide trauma-informed counseling sessions, distribute hygiene packs, and offer a daily meal and safe space for each of the girls involved in the program.

Meet Maya (name changed for privacy), a 15-year-old girl who joined the Safe Haven program after experiencing domestic violence. When she first came to us, she was withdrawn and fearful. Through consistent support—counseling, mentorship, and participation in group empowerment sessions—Maya has regained her confidence. She is now actively engaged in class, helps lead peer discussions on safety and self-worth, and dreams of becoming a nurse to help others in her community.

Alongside emotional healing, we’ve also hosted two community sensitization workshops engaging parents, local leaders, and teachers to strengthen the protective environment for girls. This holistic approach is key to preventing future abuse and ensuring survivors do not suffer in silence.

Looking ahead, we plan to scale this initiative by introducing vocational skills training and mentorship circles to equip survivors with tools for long-term independence. Your generosity has made this possible—and we can’t thank you enough for walking this journey with us.

Warmly,
Geoffrey Mulenga
Executive Director, Lotus Flower Community School