10 years old
Place of birth: Kabalagala, Uganda
Level of schooling: 2nd Grade
Diana was rescued in February of 2011. When she first came to Kwagala Project she was shy and distrusting. Within a few weeks, after receiving consistent love and encouragement from our staff and the other girls living in the house, Diana started to blossom into the carefree child she was meant to be.
She was enrolled in first grade in March 2011. After two months of class she was promoted to second grade. She's continued to do well in school even though she'd rather be playing cards, coloring in her coloring book, or jumping rope! Like her sisters, she loves to be silly and make the other girls laugh.
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13 years old
Place of birth: Kabalagala, Uganda
Level of schooling: 8th Grade
Dorothy was rescued in February of 2011. Though she endured years of trauma and exploitation, she managed to continue with her studies and earn exceptional grades.
Because of her energy and contagious laugh she was given the nickname "smiles" by the other girls in the house. Dorothy has been gifted with a great sense of humor and an amazing attitude. Her dream of one day becoming a doctor or a nurse coupled with her sheer determination and positivity give us no reason to question her limitless future helping and healing others.
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13 years old
Place of birth: Kabalagala, Uganda
Level of schooling: 2nd Grade
Patricia was rescued in February of 2011. Initially withdrawn and suffering from PTSD, Patricia's true personality finally emerged after months of safety, extensive therapy, and being in a loving family environment.
Now Patricia loves to sing and perform - she's a total ham and is always the first one to suggest a new game or dance or funny drama. It's impossible not to laugh at her antics. She brings so much joy to the house. Also a natural caregiver, Patricia is constantly tending to the needs of her younger sisters. Perhaps it's that instinct that makes her extraordinarily grateful. Not a day goes by that she doesn't thank the staff for loving and helping each of them.
Unfortunately, school hasn't been Patricia's strong suit. But just this last term something clicked - catapulting her confidence! With the aid of patient teachers and our tutors, she continues to gain understanding. She's so eager to learn now that being the only 13 year old in her class hasn't even phased her. She's so proud of herself and so are we!
"Laughter is the first evidence of freedom. - Rosario castellanos"
19 years old
Place of birth: Bwaise, Uganda
Level of schooling: Freshman in college
One of the first girls rescued and enrolled into Kwagala Project's aftercare program, Eva is an extraordinary example of what's possible when given the opportunity to thrive. Three years ago, after being taken out of an unspeakable situation, Eva focused her attention on the arduous task of mastering English. She wanted more than to learn a few conversational phrases, her aim was to become proficient in speaking, reading, and writing the language. Within months of her rescue Eva was accepted into a highly reputable boarding school in Kampala. She did exceedingly well; her teachers were impressed by her comprehension and character. Eva graduated with honors last year.
This fall, Eva commenced her university career. Her area of study is counseling. Her dream is to be a social worker. Eva's heart is to help more girls out of the commercial sex trade.
"Everything is possible!" She says often, and with a giant smile. Dozens of younger girls at Kwagala Project are inspired by her achievements and joyful tenacity. Eva doesn't perceive that as pressure. To her it's another opportunity to encourage and inspire. She's already an amazing counselor!
""Everything is possible!""
15 years old
Place of birth: Bwaise, Uganda
Level of schooling: 6th Grade
Redeemed was rescued in October 2010. Understandably, Redeemed was extremely angry and distrustful when she arrived at Kwagala Project's Bwaise home. Months passed before we saw true progress. She became less combative and her heart finally started to soften. After aggressive counseling, prayer, stability, and the support of the other girls in the home, a miracle, in the form of breakthrough, occurred. Redeemed was willing to work through her trauma and take the necessary steps toward healing. Since then, she's been able to embrace that she has a future full of endless possibilities. She now believes in herself - a huge step. She is loved and loves in return - a concept, sadly, that was brand-new to her. She is Redeemed - a name she gave herself because her birth name no longer represents who she is.
Redeemd wants to be a writer. She knows her words are valuable and that certain stories can only be crafted by her. It's this commitment that motivates her to do well in school. She can't change her past, but she can prevent it from stifling her bright future. She wants her words to encourage and free others. I don't know what's more redeeming than that.
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Without hope, life is an unsatisfying labored breath. But with hope, comes happiness.
Not he who has much is rich, but he who gives much.
Erich Fromm
