Alumni Stories

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.

Because of Freely in Hope, I realized that I am a survivor and no longer a victim. I am more confident in myself which is why I am able to fight sexual violence.

I hope that other girls will realize how powerful they are, and use this power to bring change to their communities and the world.

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.