This archive report was first published on 26 August 2020.
Published on August 26, 2020, a story of hope and resilience emerged from the Hope Rescue Centre in Hardy, Karen. The centre, which cares for referrals from abusive and violent relationships, is home to 15 children and 12 women.
Brenda, a 19-year-old mother of two, is one of the centre's residents. Her story is a testament to the centre's mission to rescue girls and women and reintegrate them into society with skills that make them economically independent.
Brenda's journey began when her mother died, and she was forced to marry at the age of 15. She was subjected to physical and emotional abuse, which escalated after her grandmother's death. The violence became so severe that Brenda attempted suicide twice.
Consolata Wangari, the centre's founder, has a plan to rescue more girls and women and equip them with skills to become economically independent. Her vision is a beacon of hope for victims of violence like Brenda.
Another resident, Rose, shares a similar story of tribulation. Her family lived in Komarock, Nairobi, but her life took a turn for the worse when her father was deployed to Somalia in 2014. Her mother died, and she was forced to drop out of school and live with her grandmother.
Rose's story is a reminder that violence knows no boundaries, and that victims need a safe space to heal and rebuild their lives. The Hope Rescue Centre is that space, providing a haven for women and children who have escaped abusive relationships.
