The Safe House: An Enclave of Peace and Hope

Aziza, a 15-year-old mother from Ethiopia, came to our Safe House in 2012. She was separated from her parents after her father was taken by the police and her mother disappeared, leaving her in the care of a community member. Aziza was then sent to Kenya and placed in the care of a man who forced her into marriage, resulting in her pregnancy.

After going to the hospital to give birth, Aziza told a social worker about her predicament and was put in touch with Heshima Kenya. When Aziza first entered the Safe House, she was very vulnerable.  She was constantly fearful, while also dealing with the challenges of becoming a new, young mother. Through the support of Heshima Kenya staff, she received individual counselling sessions from the program staff, and was referred to Center for Victims of Torture, a partner organization, to help her deal with trauma. With the help of Safe House staff, she learned how to properly care for her newborn baby.                                                

Currently, Aziza lives in the Safe House with her daughter and has a very positive attitude about herself and her futute. She is registered as an asylum seeker with UNHCR, and possesses self-confidence, and a growing self-esteem. Aziza has learned to take care of herself and baby. She enjoys cooking and playing football and her daughter has grown into a healthy toddler.

 Aziza talks of the future and her dream of becoming a teacher. She also hopes to sensitize the communities to protect girls from early marriage. She says:

 “I was married off at the age of 13 years to an old man who did not care about me at all. I was hidden from everyone. I had no official identification papers to use when seeking services. I will work hard to ensure that I protect my daughter from early marriage. I really feel so safe now”.

Thanks to supporters like you, Aziza can have a safe place to call home and dreams of a better world for her child.We thank you for your generous contribution.