Velma is a Freely in Hope scholar studying Education Science.
She is a volunteer teacher at a local school, impacting over 100 students. She noticed that the students needed further support outside of academics, so she stepped in to fill the gap and start a mentorship program for girls. While mentoring, she learned that one of the students had been sexually abused and required urgent medical care. She advocated for the survivor to receive medical care and additional support from other teachers at her school. Velma is a powerful advocate for survivors of sexual violence.
“Learning ways to heal my trauma helped me know that the wound of the heart takes time to heal, just like a physical wound. As I heal, I also want to help others heal too. I learned tools and techniques to identify trauma, approach trauma with care, and support someone moving through the stages of grief.
AS AN ASPIRING TEACHER, I FEEL EQUIPPED WITH KNOWLEDGE OF HOW I CAN HELP MY STUDENTS WHO HAVE EXPERIENCED TRAUMA.”
1 in 3 women have experienced sexual assault, many before they turn 18. Access to safe, secure education helps survivors heal, grow, and thrive! When you join Hope Circle, our community of monthly donors, you are helping survivors thrive as leaders in the community!
