education, or any way to make money. Heshima Kenya’s safe shelter provides a loving community and around-the-clock care. Staff accompany girls to medical appointments, provide counseling, advise on legal matters, support with childcare, and work with each individual girl to understand her distinct needs. Through their Girls’ Empowerment Program girls receive childcare, education, vocational training, life skills, and the chance to earn an income through their successful scarf making social enterprise. Heshima Kenya truly provides a full spectrum of care for the most vulnerable of the world’s refugees and is the only organization dedicated to serving this population in Kenya.
Their vision includes allowing girls and young women to create sustainable change.
“Heshima Kenya is dedicated to providing tools and resources for girls to become leaders in their own right,” explained Ms. Roadcup. The organization equips women and girls with human rights education, and the skills to speak out against human rights violations and sexual and gender based violence. These young women become agents of change through the spread of knowledge to their communities and their children, influencing generations to come.
Another focus for Heshima Kenya is a special kind of holistic care.
Their model meets the full spectrum of refugee girls needs. First, when a girl is referred to their programs, she meets with a caseworker who develops an individualized supportive relationship from day one. “I like to say we have wrap-around services, which means we assess every aspect of a refugee girl’s needs.” iterated Ms. Roadcup. “People often tell me they come to Heshima expecting to feel sad and depressed, knowing what our girls have lived through. Then, the moment they walk through our doors I can see on their faces that they sense the joy. Our girls are survivors. They are bold and strong. Heshima is a safe haven, a very special place of healing.”