The Safe House: An Enclave of Peace and Hope

A Sudden Shift

Aime remembers having a happy family life in Congo before the war. She was the only girl among three brothers. Her parents ran a small farm and she attended school regularly. Aime was set to complete her primary education before life took a sudden shift and militiamen attacked her family’s village in the middle of the night. Aime was separated from the rest of her family in the chaos of the attack, not realizing it would be the last time she would see any of her family members. She managed to find a ride that would take her out of the village along with other people fleeing the violence. Aime does not recall much of the journey, only that it was long and difficult, and that she hoped to find peace and a better future when they reached their destination.

When Aime arrived in Nairobi, she was alone and scared. Before nightfall, she came across a Congolese woman whom she easily identified as such because she was wearing colorful traditional Congolese attire. This woman welcomed Aime into her home and provided a stabilizing force for her even though she was ultimately forced to leave when the living situation became unhealthy.

Hope Restored

Aime joined RefuSHE’s Safe House in 2020 after facing many threats to her life and safety while living in Nairobi. Through the support of on-site counselors, Aime found the encouragement and strength she needed to begin healing from her difficult past. For the first time since she had fled the Congo, Aime felt like she had found a home where she belonged. Her hope was restored. The level of care that she received in the Safe House made her feel safe and valued. Through cottage skills training provided at the shelter, Aime developed skills in crocheting, cooking, baking, and basic makeup application that she would not have gained otherwise. In fact, she was the go-to person for Safe House residents who wanted to spruce up their looks when they went out for recreational activities.

Thanks to RefuSHE, Aime now has big plans for the future. She is enrolled in a community Hair & Beauty College to learn the practical skills she’ll need to prepare for a career in cosmetology. She is especially grateful to RefuSHE for giving her this vital lifeline towards self-sufficiency. Her ultimate goal is to one day run her own business – a big spa that will provide her with economic independence and make a difference in other people’s lives.