A girl keenly following a lesson in the trauma healing booklet

Korogocho slum is one of the largest slums in Nairobi where more than 200,000 people live. Many young people face poverty, school abandonment, forced and consensual sex for monetary gains by very young boys and girls, early pregnancy, early marriage, and drug abuse.

Most families live in temporal houses made of recycled materials or iron sheets. Despite this, many of the residents pay rent for the right to live there. There is no proper sewer system, piped freshwater, and crime rates are high. It is a challenging environment to raise children as they are exposed to so many vices.

Bible Society of Kenya in partnership with community volunteers in Korogocho held a one-week trauma healing session and take-charge programme for 53 girls aged 20 years and below. Some of these girls are parents and they can hardly provide for their children as most of them come from dysfunctional homes where even getting basic needs is an issue. The training aimed at helping the girls to understand that despite the challenges they are facing, there’s hope found in God’s Word.

During the discussions, we learned that several of them had gone through traumatizing situations and they did not have anyone to confide in. Other girls had identity issues, they had never learned to accept themselves and take care of their lives. Some of the testimonies received at the end of the training were as follows.

“This training has changed the way I think. I have learned that I need to accept myself despite my current circumstance because God is always there for me. I have also been reminded that life is about decisions and they have consequences. I will, therefore, take charge of my life so that I do not blame anyone else. Thank you BSK for this training” Yvonne, participant

A girl reading the take charge booklet

“I am one person who would not forgive anyone who wronged me because I thought the person will take advantage of me again. From this training, I have learned that I should forgive as it will set me free from carrying baggage” Stella, participant  

“I have learned that I need to protect my body from people with bad intentions and to seek help when I find myself in danger. I have also learned the importance of forgiveness. I thank BSK for giving me a Bible, I will share it with my friends so that we can learn more about God” Anne, participant

The Chief Executive Officer Mrs. Elizabeth Muriuki spoke to the girls and encouraged them to know that their current situation should not determine their future because God has good plans for them. She noted that hard work and determination pay hence the girls should be focused on building their future and not engaging in peer pressure.

The girls gained a lot from the training and we trust that they will apply the knowledge in their lives. After the training, each of the girl received a Bible, certificate, and trauma healing book from the Bible Society of Kenya. We trust that God will continue to heal these girls from their hurts and grant them a bright future.