A child herself when she sought safety. Today, a registered nurse.

Seven years after arriving at a shelter with her baby, Esther is caring for children in the place that welcomed them.

In June 2019, Esther arrived with her baby at Miale Ya Tumaini, a shelter supported by Kenya Works through our Shelter Works program.

She was still a child herself.

Esther had survived sexual and gender-based violence perpetrated by a family member. As a result of that abuse, she became pregnant and gave birth to her daughter. Living with emotional trauma and separated from her family, she faced the responsibilities of motherhood while still needing care and protection herself.

When her primary school teacher learned of her situation, the teacher reached out to people who helped Esther and her baby find safety at the shelter. Her abuser was later held accountable through the justice system.

Finding safety was the beginning—not the end—of her journey.

A chance to heal. A chance to study.

At the shelter, Esther received counselling, emotional support, and the opportunity to return to school.

She was raising a daughter while still growing up herself. Alongside motherhood and her own recovery, she began secondary school with a goal: to become a nurse.

That goal took years of study and determination. Esther completed high school and enrolled at Catherine McCauley School of Nursing in 2023.

Today, we are celebrating an extraordinary milestone: Esther has graduated and earned her licence to practise as a registered nurse.

Returning with skills to care for others

Seven years ago, Esther arrived needing safety and care. Today, she is using her nursing skills to care for children at the same shelter that welcomed her and her baby.

While applying for hospital positions, she is gaining professional experience and giving back to the place that helped her rebuild her life.

“I dream of giving back to the shelter by supporting other children—just as I was supported to pursue my own dreams.”

—Esther

Her next goal is a hospital position. In time, she hopes to help other children at the shelter pursue their own dreams.

Why Kenya Works’ Shelter Works program matters

Esther’s achievement is her own.

She did the studying. She balanced motherhood and school. She kept pursuing her ambition while rebuilding her life.

Her journey shows why Kenya Works’ Shelter Works program matters—not only in a moment of crisis, but over the years that follow.

Safety gave Esther a place to begin. Counselling, education, and continued encouragement helped create the foundation from which she could pursue her dream. She and her daughter continue to receive support as they work toward lasting stability and independence.

Help another child find a way forward

Children who have survived violence need more than immediate safety. They need care, education, and people who continue to stand beside them as they rebuild their lives.

Your gift to Kenya Works helps provide that support.

You can help a child find safety today—and the opportunity to learn, heal, and work toward a future of their own.

Give to Kenya Works