Fashion Challenge 2023: Meet the Models
This year, we're celebrating RefuSHE's 15th anniversary by bringing the Fashion Challenge to the site of our impact: Kenya. Nairobi-based designers will volunteer their time and talent to create original runway-ready looks using fabric hand-dyed by RefuSHE’s Artisan Collective. Each designer will be paired with two young refugee women in RefuSHE’s program: (1) a mentee interested in learning more about fashion design and tailoring and (2) a model who will walk the runway in their one-of-a-kind garment. These partnerships will culminate in a live fashion show event inspired by the resilient stories of refugee girls.
Meet the RefuSHE models participating in Fashion Challenge 2023: Celebrating 15 Years on October 7, 2023!
ELIZABETH Y.
AGE: 22
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN:
South Sudan
DESIGNER: Samir Maombi
Elizabeth Yar was born in Cueibet County, South Sudan more than two decades ago to a large, happy family. She does not know her exact age or birthday but is registered as 26 years old. However, her family estimates her age to be 21 or 22 given the documented ages of other children in the community born within the same year. She is the second child of her father’s second wife. Yar is from the Dinka tribe and proudly stands tall at 5’11. What she admires about her people is their collectivistic culture and attachment to kin and community. Raising a child is a communal affair that she says has immeasurable positive value.
Yar fled South Sudan in 2012 to escape a forced marriage. Her extended family wanted to marry Yar off at a very young age as the third wife to a much older man. When she refused, they locked her in a room and beat her. She feared for her life and gave in. She packed her few belongings and prepared for the long trek to the man’s home. Luckily, one of her cousins who had been part of the delegation did not agree with the family’s decision. He took her aside and told her that he’d help her escape. Together, Yar and her cousin fled through a forest until they found refuge in a pastor’s home who helped the cousins travel to Juba and finally to Nairobi via bus.
The pastor sponsored Yar’s education in Kenya until she cleared her primary education. Sadly, he passed away before she joined high school. She successfully secured a sponsorship from JRS to continue her secondary school education and completed high school this year. Through JRS, Yar learned about RefuSHE’s computer training course and successfully applied for the program. She joined as a total beginner and is proud of her growth and improved tech fluency to date.
Yar was the only RefuSHE student to participate as a model at RefuSHE’s Fashion Challenge 2022 and is excited to return as a model and choreographer at Fashion Challenge 2023. Her biggest dream is to become a successful model. She also hopes to be a mentor and role model to young girls facing the same challenges that she has faced.
NOELLA
AGE: 19
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)
DESIGNER: Monica Kanari
Noella Jeanne, a 19-year-old with an indomitable spirit, was forced to flee her village in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in 2017 due to war. She arrived in Kenya in 2018 alone, without money, and accompanied by her five-year-old son, Angel.
Later, within the same year, she joined RefuSHE's secure shelter, the Safe House, where she received medical care and her basic needs were catered for. Noella was later enrolled in the Girls Empowerment Program (GEP) for basic education and vocational training.
Today, Noella has honed her tailoring and dressmaking skills, which she believes will help her run a successful business in the future. In addition to being a student leader at RefuSHE, Noella recently received leadership training which has equipped her to be a more confident leader in her community in Nairobi. She also joined the Artisan Collective in January 2023.
Noella's journey embodies resilience and determination, inspiring all who hear her story. With continued support, she dreams of a bright future for herself and her son, where she will rise above adversity and thrive as an empowered tailor and mother.
GIZELLE
AGE: 19
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)
DESIGNER: Liz Njoroge
Gizelle Umurerwa, 19, was only 11 years old when she fled her home country, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Accompanied by her two elder brothers, Gizelle made her way to Kenya in 2017 in search of a peaceful and secure environment away from the chaos and destruction in the DRC.
Upon arriving in Kenya, Gizelle found solace at RefuSHE, where she later joined the Girls Empowerment Program (GEP) and began taking classes in basic literacy, numeracy, and vocational training. She is currently in the Grade 3 level of Vocational Training and growing her skills in tailoring. As she hones her skills, she envisions a future as a renowned fashion designer. She aspires to make a mark on the world through her creativity and passion for fashion.
Before joining RefuSHE, Gizelle felt restless and anxious; constantly worrying about the looming possibility of war. Today, she notes that she sleeps better at night, without constant worries of war. Though Gizelle misses her mother dearly, she draws strength from the hope of a brighter tomorrow.
FAITH
AGE: 19
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: Kenya
DESIGNER: Alex Muchena
Faith Thomas is a vibrant 19-year-old residing in Syokimau, Nairobi. She is the firstborn in a family of three and is currently pursuing a nutrition and dietetics diploma.
Faith joined RefuSHE in January 2023 and enrolled in the ICT training program, which aims to equip girls with digital skills training and access to job opportunities in the growing freelance economy.
Faith notes that this opportunity has been impactful as she can now start making money on the side by applying her learned skills, such as transcription and content writing. She has set up an Upwork account and is looking forward to working with her first client.
Besides being a model, Faith is also a budding fashion enthusiast. She is particularly inspired by Elizabeth Yar, RefuSHE alumni and winning model of RefuSHE’s Fashion Challenge 2022.
In her free time, Faith finds joy in cooking, traveling, and dancing.
MARLEEN
AGE: 24
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: Burundi
DESIGNER: William Kitheka
Marleen Agape is a 24-year-old young woman from Burundi who is currently residing in the Kasarani area of Nairobi. She is full of life and youthful energy. She joined RefuSHE’s 6-month digital learning program early this year, eager to develop digital skills that would increase her earning potential. She admits that her computer skills were limited before the training but have grown extensively within the six months. Marleen has been sending proposals to potential clients on Upwork and is confident she will get her first job soon.
As a model, Marleen has always dreamed of walking the runway. Her admiration for top models and confident female celebrities worldwide has provided the driving force behind her journey.
Besides being a model, Marleen dreams of becoming a social worker one day, a calling deeply rooted in her desire to empower and uplift others in her community.
During her leisure hours, Marleen loves to dance and watch movies.
PRISCILLA
AGE: 21
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN:
South Sudan
DESIGNER: John Kaveke
Priscilla Dhiaukuei, 21, exudes a peaceful nature and steady poise. She is the second born in a family of nine girls. Originally from South Sudan, Pricilla moved to Kenya in 2009 and was later joined by her family in 2015 after war broke out. Priscilla recently completed her high school studies and is looking forward to joining university.
Eager to gain knowledge and skills in ICT, Pricilla enrolled in RefuSHE’s ICT program in January 2023, where she says her favorite things to learn were how to use Google Calendar and Google Drive, how to create a digital folder, how to use Microsoft Office, and how to write professional emails and CVs. She has also learned in-demand social media management, transcription, and content writing skills. Priscilla believes these skills will give her a competitive advantage in the job market.
For Pricilla, modeling is a hobby. She dreams of traveling around the world in the future as an air hostess.
ELIZABETH P.
AGE: 22
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN:
South Sudan
DESIGNER: Akisa Kauer
Elizabeth Piath, 22, was born in South Sudan and is the third born in a family of seven children. She moved to Kenya, Nairobi, in 2012 and recently completed her high school education.
Seeking to improve her computer skills before joining university, Elizabeth joined RefuSHE's IT program in January 2023 and has since found the programming to be very impactful. Currently, she is working for Remotasks, an online platform that offers a variety of tasks like 2D and 3D Image Annotation and Categorization, skills taught in the IT program.
Although she initially shied away from modeling, several practice sessions at RefuSHE have helped change this, and today, she notes that it is a fun experience. Elizabeth dreams of becoming a nurse and plans to enroll in nursing school soon.
In her free time, Elizabeth enjoys sports, particularly volleyball.
CHRISTINE
AGE: 20
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: Kenya
DESIGNER: Diana Mwelesa
Christine Sudhe, 20, was born and raised in Siaya before moving to the Nairobi Dagoretti area to start school. She joined RefuSHE’s ICT training program in 2023 and notes the training has had a tremendous impact on her life. As a young woman, Christine feels the program is a form of empowerment, particularly now that the world is shifting daily to become more technology-driven. Christine is grateful for the freelancing skills that now provide her an opportunity to work online and make money,
Christine began modeling while in high school and in college, where she says she has always participated in school activities that involved modeling. Besides her budding interest in the runway, Christine has completed a nursing assistant course and is looking forward to starting work.
Christine has a curious and inquisitive mind, and in her free time, loves reading, conducting research, and swimming.
NYAKUOTH
AGE: 21
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN:
South Sudan
DESIGNER: Peggy Onyango
Nyakuoth Kong, or “Sarah” as she likes to be called, is a 21-year-old young woman from South Sudan. She moved to Kenya in 2018 and became a part of the Girls Empowerment Program (GEP) at RefuSHE. Currently, Sarah is taking tailoring classes and has a real passion for drawing, something that brings her a lot of joy.
As she sharpens her tailoring skills, Sarah's got big dreams – she wants to be a famous fashion designer someday.
When she's not busy with her studies, Sarah loves spending time with her family and friends. You can also catch her singing in her church choir. Her parents are her role models, always encouraging her to work hard and keep a positive attitude.
Sarah is incredibly grateful for RefuSHE, which has transformed her life. She's excited about using the skills she's learning to make a positive impact in the world.
TERA
AGE: 18
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN:
South Sudan
DESIGNER: Sylvia Yegon
Tera Akolde, 18, was born and raised in Kenya but originally hails from South Sudan. She is the youngest of seven siblings. Tera joined RefuSHE’s ICT program in January 2023 where she learned valuable skills such as online writing and transcription.
Tera's interest in modeling began when she was a child. When she joined RefuSHE, she was excited to chase that dream again. She looks up to Elizabeth Yar, a RefuSHE Alumni who won RefuSHE’s Fashion Challenge 2022. “Yar is brave and always cheers us on during practice,” Tera says. Tera can't wait for this year’s Fashion Challenge. She sees it as a chance to make connections and show off her talent.
Outside of modeling, Tera wants to dive into the beauty industry. When she's not busy, she has fun making TikTok videos and helping her mom at home.