The Safe House: An Enclave of Peace and Hope

Sumaya is a 13 year-old Ethiopian girl, who resides in the Safe House with along with her five siblings. Sumaya was born in Ethiopia but later moved with her family to Djibouti because of war. While in Djibouti, her father was abducted and never seen again. After her father’s disappearance, the family experienced a good deal insecurity, forcing them to flee Djibouti. While fleeing towards Kenya, Sumaya’s mother also disappeared. However, determined to seek safety, Sumaya and her siblings continued on their journey. Once they arrived in Nairobi, a community member offered the children a place to stay. While their shelter was temporarily taken care of, Sumaya and her siblings still needed an income for food, and other necessities, forcing her and her 16-year-old sister to find odd jobs, such as selling tea to community members. While working in the community, the UNHCR identified Sumaya and her siblings as unaccompanied children at risk and referred them to the Safe House. 

When Sumaya first entered the Safe House, she was very withdrawn and lethargic, sleeping throughout the day. She would express feelings of loss for her parents and did not participate in activities in the community. At first, she did not want to be enrolled in the education program and hoped to have a limited stay in the Safe House. However as days passed, Sumaya accepted the security of the Safe House, realizing this might be the safe place she had been seeking for her siblings. Through individual and group counseling provided by the program staff, Sumaya‘s attitude and feelings have gradually shifted; she is now more relaxed, volunteers to participate in life-skills activities, and is fully engaged in artistic activities. Sumaya continues to overcome her past fears and is working everyday to build her self-confidence. She was enrolled in our education program, and continues to thrive in her classes. She also participates actively in life skills programs, assisting in facilitating sessions for young children and enjoys reciting poems.

Sumaya says “I am happy being in the Safe House with all my siblings. At first it was hard but now am coping well. I have made friends. I am confident, I love to dance and recite poems.” Despite all the hardships Sumaya has been through, she is positive that one day she will be reunited with her mother. Her dream is to become a child psychologist.

Thank you again for your support and commitment to Heshima Kenya. Your generous donation makes it possible for young girls, like Sumaya to begin to lead safe and enjoyable lives