A New Chapter for Christine
Christine fled her home in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) when she was 11 years old due to ongoing violent conflict. She followed other people in her village who were running toward safety. The group walked for many kilometers and eventually entered Uganda by traveling in a cargo truck. There, Christine was able to find work as a house helper, where she worked for seven years.
During this period, Christine managed to save enough money to travel to Kenya, where she heard there were organizations that help refugees. With enough savings, she took a bus from Uganda to Nairobi. She reached Nairobi in April of 2018 and stayed with one of the women she had traveled with who offered to host her as she adjusted to her new life. Unfortunately, after a few months, her host felt burdened by the extra mouth to feed and asked her to leave. Christine faced many threats being on her own, and she was connected to HIAS for support. They helped her find accommodation, provided counseling, and helped her with prenatal and postnatal care.
After several months at her new residence with another young woman also being supported by HIAS, the roommates fell out as Christine did not have any money to contribute towards their bills. Christine was then referred to RefuSHE by a community incentive worker. She joined RefuSHE’s Safe House where she stayed for seven months before joining the Girls Empowerment Program (GEP) in January of 2022. Christine now receives education, medical care, mental health counseling, food, transportation stipends, life skills training, clothes, mentorship programs, self-care services, and childcare for her baby.
“Education will help me put my life in order and achieve my dreams.”
Before joining the GEP at RefuSHE, Christine struggled to pay rent, lacked food and clothing, and could not access medical care. She was insecure, fearful, and hopeless. She could neither express herself well nor socialize with others. After joining RefuSHE, Christine began living in a house with water and electricity. She can now pay her rent and afford food and clothing. She also feels more secure from the medical care and psychosocial support she’s receiving.
Through her involvement in the GEP, Christine has gained skills in literacy and numeracy, acquired helpful life skills, and made like-minded friends. Christine states that her life has improved dramatically. She feels confident and has a sense of belonging and security. She is grateful for the support that RefuSHE has given her in terms of education, financial assistance, case management, and provision of basic needs. RefuSHE has helped her build hope for her future and set her on a path toward self-reliance.