By Emile Dawisha | Development Director
Fauzia, a mother of five, was referred to the RefuSHE Safehouse by the Department of Refugee Services in 2023 after facing political insecurity in her country of origin and asylum. Additionally, she separated from her husband who was the primary bread winner. RefuSHE received approval from the Department of Children’s services to exempt her stay in the shelter despite being older, to ensure the family stays together. She arrived feeling overwhelmed, scared, adjusting to single parenthood, struggling to communicate in both English and Swahili and with no form of livelihood to support herself and the children.
During her time at the Safehouse, Fauzia and her children found safety, stability, and consistent support. Soon after arriving, she enrolled in functional literacy and numeracy classes, where she began learning Swahili and improving her understanding of English. These early steps helped her gain confidence and engage more fully with daily life.
Fauzia also took part in cottage skills training, where cooking and sewing quickly became her favorite activities. Alongside this, she attended individual counselling sessions that helped her process her separation, manage stress, and rebuild her sense of strength as a parent.
Her children were supported to attend school through the provision of school fees, uniforms, and stationery. This allowed them to settle into a routine and focus on their education while living in a safe environment.
In May 2025, Fauzia successfully exited the Safehouse and transitioned into independent living. With reintegration support from RefuSHE, she moved into a modest one-bedroom home in Kayole, Nairobi, where she now lives with her children. Over the past eight months, she has continued to build on the skills she gained during her time at the Safehouse.
Today, she runs a small business in her neighborhood selling tea, bhajia, and ice cream. Her improved language skills allow her to communicate confidently with customers and manage her daily responsibilities. While she still faces life’s challenges, she draws on the coping strategies she learned through counselling to stay focused and provide for her family.
“Seeing my children in school makes me so happy. Our relationship has improved so much. I now have time to run my small business during the day and provide for them.”
Today, Fauzia and her children are safe, stable, and moving forward with confidence. Support from the Seamont Foundation helped make this journey possible ; giving her the foundation to rebuild her life and create a more secure future for her children.
By Emile Dawisha | Development Director
By Lennah Makena | Communications Officer
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