The Safe House: An Enclave of Peace and Hope

Muna can finally relax for the first time since she fled Somalia in the middle of July 2016. “It was a challenge,” the 16-year-old says with a grin, as she describes her ordeal when she was sexual abused and forcely married off at the age of 14 years.  “I was brought up by my paternal aunt after my father died when I was 2 years old. I was born with a heart condition. I underwent heart surgery with the sponsorship of my aunt in United Kingdom. I was able to live there for 9 years until when my aunt lied to me about going for a holiday in Africa. I landed in Kenya three years ago and later was transported to Somalia to meet my family members. I have never seen my aunt again. She dumped at the hands of my old relatives in Somalia. I was left in Somali not knowing what was in store for me.  Immediately, the elders organized a female genital mutilation ceremony claiming it a culture rite of passage that I had to undergo. I was shocked and very devastated. Later, I was married off to an old man who used to abuse me every day and later left me to die.  After a few months, I realized I was pregnant, with no one to take care of me. I was lost, I was chased away, forced to live in a prison like institution because I feared being abused again and probably being killed by my abusers.”

Muna wassupported by well-wishers to flee Somalia to find refuge in Kenya. She gave birth to a baby girl in August 2016. The worst news that she received immediately she gave birth is that the baby had a heart condition too that needed urgent medical care. It has been difficult for Muna to take care of her child. She lived with good samaritans in Eastleigh who provided her with basic meals every day.  She had to take her child to different hospitals for medical assessment and treatment. Unfortunately, she could not take care of herself and her child anymore.  Muna was referred to the Safe House for proper care, protection, and shelter.   

With support from the Case Workers and a therapist at the Safe House, Muna has been able to build her strength and hope towards her future. In the Safe House, she is able to take care of her child well.  The baby is receiving proper medical care hoping that her health will flourish in the next few months.  With a safe place to stay and support, she is able to talk positively about her life and think about her future.

Today, Muna is a beautiful happy mother with her child. She participates actively in the shelter activities and counseling sessions. The road ahead for Muna is a challenging one, but she remains highly motivated and confident she will succeed at her goal of building a healthy and fulfilling life with her daughter.

“I am starting to think of tomorrow more, because when you are homeless all that you think about is the immediate need. Now that am in a safe place, I feel hopeful that my baby will get all the help she needs. I am happy.” Says Muna.

I fled Ethiopia with my uncle when my parents were kidnapped by government officials. My uncle wanted to save me from facing abuse. He booked a bus ticket for me to travel to Kenya through to the Moyale border.  I was left to travel by myself.  He instructed me that when I reached Moyale that I hide myself into goods truck driving into Nairobi. I arrived in Nairobi in October 2014 when was I just 14 years old.

I found myself in Eastleigh where I knew no one. I started asking for help from people on the street but most people just ignored me. I had to sleep on the street corridors for a few days. I did not have any beddings to use. I was so cold, kept on crying and by-passers would sometimes give me bread and milk to drink but no one offered shelter.

After a few days, an Ethiopian Oromo man approached me and asked me what I needed. I told him, I just want a place to stay and eat. He took me to another man who said he would help me. I stayed with him for a while but he started to suggest the he wanted to marry me. I was so scared and very young. I did not want to get married. I only wanted to know where my parents were and be supported to go to school. I ran away from his house and went back to the streets. A good Samaritan woman took me into her house. I stayed with her until she relocated to South Africa. I was again left alone to fend for myself.  

One day, a friend of mine told me about Heshima Kenya’s office and offered to take me there. I met a social worker whom I told my story to. She was very helpful and asked me if I needed a place to stay. I was brought into the Safe House in September of 2016. I could not believe my luck that I was able to find a safe shelter with people who would help me and who care about me. I was immediately taken to the hospital for a health check-up, given food and beddings and I could have not been more grateful to meet other girls who had similar stories to mine. We love each other and treat one another as sisters.

I was also enrolled into the Girl Empowerment Program to continue with my studies and I lived happily in the Safe House. I talked to a counselor on a regular basis who supported me to deal with my past experiences. I love the Safe House so much because it has protected me from so many things that could have happened to me. It has allowed me to be a child, growing up strong and confident without any fear. In a month’s time, I would like to be exited from the Safe House and live with a young Ethiopian woman who has accepted to be my guardian. I will still continue with school and hope that one day I will achieve my dream of becoming a doctor. I have really improved on my studies. I can read, write in English and Swahili. I love mathematics and science too. At Heshima Kenya’s Safe House, I have found a home and family.  I am no longer stressed, just hoping that one day I will see my parents again.