By Ariana Erickson | Executive Strategist of Engagement
Christine* is a 19-year-old young woman originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo. After having lost her entire family in the war, she had no other choice but to move in with a family friend. Christine’s stay was comfortable at first, but eventually her friend began to resent having another person stay in her home. Christine decided to take on a job as a house maid for another family to save up enough money to move out of her friend’s home.
Once Christine had enough money saved, she began to embark on the journey to Kenya as she had heard that Kenya was a much better place than the Congo. However, her journey to Kenya was extremely difficult. She travelled alone and first walked for many weeks before catching a bus to take her to Uganda. From Uganda she travelled via motorbike to Kenya. Throughout her entire journey she had to remain discreet as she did not have legal documentation to be travelling and was afraid of being picked up by the police.
When Christine arrived in Kenya she was sexually abused and became pregnant with her son. Christine had no stable home while pregnant and often slept on the street hungry and afraid. Eventually an incentive worker found Christine and referred her to RefuSHE’s Safe House for unaccompanied and orphaned refugee girls and their children. Christine was admitted into RefuSHE’s Safe House program in September of 2020.
Christine feels a lot happier and secure now that she lives in a home with other young women who have gone through similar experiences. She is content knowing she has the support and resources she needs in order to care for her 18-month-old son David. Christine also attends RefuSHE’s Girls Empowerment Program (GEP) where she is happy to be enrolled in school again and learning about her favorite subject – biology. Once she graduates from the GEP, Christine plans on becoming a car mechanic, but not just any mechanic. With a passion for cars and fixing things, Christine hopes to become “one of the best mechanics in the world.”
*her name has been changed due to safety and protection reasons
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