Meet Our Alumni

Idah is a passionate about the power of speaking of speaking out. She grew up in Lusaka Zambia. She is a survivor and a Freely in Hope scholar pursuing a bachelor’s degree in law.

Ann, a high school student and scholarship participant from Zambia grew up in an abusive environment. Despite having experienced such a harsh reality, pursuing education through Freely in Hope became her haven.

Elizabeth, a high school student, and Freely in Hope Scholar grew up in Lusaka, Zambia, in a family of four. At nine years old, Elizabeth faced sexual violence at the hands of her step father.

As an aspiring teacher, I feel equipped with knowledge of how I can help my students who have experienced trauma.

My ultimate dream is to open a safe home for girls who have been rescued from prostitution, are at risk of being sexually abused, and have no one to fight for them. This home will be filled with hope, faith, and love for dreams to be restored so that they are able to go to school, just as I have.

Serving as Freely in Hope’s Program & Partnerships Director, Lydia coordinates, designs, and implements programs that exemplify best practices on ending the cycle of sexual violence. Lydia is also on the Brave Movement Global Survivor Council.

Maryanne’s story is one of courage, resilience, and hope. As Freely in Hope’s Child Protection Program Coordinator, Maryanne leads sexual abuse prevention programs across Kenya. She equips children, parents, teachers, and organizational leaders with lifesaving knowledge about consent, body safety, and reporting abuse. As she is creating awareness about sexual violence, her dream is to build an art center for children!

Children with special needs are also vulnerable to sexual abuse, and I see high incidences of sexual abuse cases among my students. As a teacher, I use the knowledge Freely in Hope has given me to advocate for children with unique abilities.

Being a survivor myself, I know how important it is to feel understood. Survivors need to be supported in the healing process and not left alone to fight the trauma. While dealing with PTSD, I found that allyship healed and empowered me.

I want to ensure that the system adjusts to meet the needs of disadvantaged women in the community, and until we see change, we can empower these women to be the ones who will take a stand within their spheres of influence.

Growing up in Kibera, East Africa’s largest slum, she saw the prevalence of sexual violence and wanted to do something about it.

My vision is to see the girl child in school, empowered and independent. I encourage the girls that I teach and interact with to better their lives through education.

I believe that both boys and girls are equal. I want to stand as a role model for girls who have been in the same situation as mine, I want for them to stand tall and know that they will overcome it.

When I share my story, I hope that survivors suffering in silence will find hope and reach out for support.

As a healthcare provider, I will advocate for health facilities to create one-stop centers for survivors and for those who are vulnerable.

My biggest dream is to help reduce the percentage of women working in prostitution, both within my community and other communities throughout Kenya.

I moved from mere struggles of poverty to living in slavery. My life there was full of tears, sorrow, harassment, and pain.

My hope is to see that every learner in school is supported, included in all activities, and fully accepted within their community.

I will be an advocate and will walk with them towards justice if that is where their healing can be found.

So many young women are sexually harassed as they search for jobs. I am committed to encouraging young people who are survivors to share their stories.

My future dream is to build a school, where girls from marginalized communities will be able to access education