Nowela Finds Positive Change on RefuSHE’s Campus
Nowela is a cheerful 17-year-old refugee girl from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). She joined RefuSHE’s Girls Empowerment Program (GEP) in 2021 and is currently in Level 3 where she is studying Math, English, Kiswahili, Science, and Social Studies. Her favorite subject is Math because she is able to easily grasp the different concepts and does well on her examinations. Kiswahili is her most challenging subject, but she puts in extra effort to do well on her exams.
Nowela lost both her parents before fleeing from the DRC and now resides with her three sisters and one brother in a friendly Nairobi neighborhood. Nowela’s sister inspires her as she works hard to cater to the family’s needs. Her sister is always helpful and whenever Nowela lacks something, her sister ensures she is provided for.
“When Nowela entered the program, she was shy and quiet and almost went unnoticed. Now, she has gained confidence and speaks freely with others.”
Before joining the GEP, Nowela studied in Kawangware up to Class 5. She attests that RefuSHE has helped increase her confidence through her interactions with other participants. At first, Nowela was intimidated by her classmates, but when they started talking to her she realized how nice and friendly they were. With time, she made friends and became more social. She now enjoys socializing with her classmates because they are able to study together and have fun conversations. Her two closest friends are Nadine and Martha whom she cherishes deeply.
Nowela’s life was tough before joining RefuSHE, but she now feels happy and comfortable as she knows her needs are being met. At RefuSHE she receives education, food, bus fare, clothing, menstrual products, healthcare, counseling, yoga sessions, Science of Trauma workshops, and life skills lessons which she greatly enjoys.
Nowela hopes to attain 350 marks on her Kenya School of Primary Education (KCPE) exams and aspires to be a doctor one day so she can help others!
“RefuSHE is a great organization. I love it because it teaches and helps girls in many areas.”
