Since graduating from university, what are you doing now?
I’m currently a special needs teacher and actively advocate for the rights of children with disabilities who are often overlooked in society. 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.
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO STUDY SPECIAL EDUCATION?
I come from a family of five and I am the second last born. I am a total orphan at 14, meaning I lost both my parents at a young age. My mother suffered pregnancy-related complications and the doctors could not treat her because we did not have money to take her to a good hospital. She died as a result. Two years after my mother passed, my father also became sick. We did not have money to take him to the hospital and so we watched him die in pain from a disease that could be cured. If only we could afford the hospital, my father could still be alive. My elder brother is paralyzed, he cannot stand by himself without someone’s help. This is why I have a passion for people with disabilities.
How have you transformed since being with FIH?
Before Freely in Hope, I was filled with bitterness after the death of my parent, and I lost hope in life. Even though I was intelligent, I did not know that I had something to offer to the world. Regarding my talents, I did not know I could model and end up being the best in it in school and everywhere else. I knew I wanted to go to a good school and receive an education, but I did not know this dream was to come to reality through Freely in Hope who provided me with a scholarship and holistic needs to flourish in my education. Through Freely in Hope, I learned that I can strive for my wildest dreams! Freely in Hope created a space where my potential, hopes, and talents came to action. They empowered me to use my creativity and intelligence to empower other girls.
Why is the work of FREELY IN HOPE important?
Freely in Hope’s scholarship program has also given me a chance to be exposed to issues of sexual violence. We don’t talk about these issues in my community which is why so many girls are forced into early marriage, prostitution, and domestic work. But I was saved from that. Freely in Hope has helped me achieve my dreams by empowering me through education and mentorship. They have given me the tools that I can use to be successful in life. As I am learning to become a leader, I am developing into a woman with strong leadership skills that I will carry back to my community. They brought a smile to my face when I thought I had nothing to be proud of.
What is your future vision for yourself?
My dream is to be an advocate for children with disabilities because they are especially vulnerable to sexual abuse. I want to open an organization that deals with creating awareness about the unique nature of learners with disabilities. My hope is to see that every learner in school is supported, included in all activities, and fully accepted within their community. I also hope to educate families of children with disabilities on the importance of educating their children just as they do with other children.
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!
