This archive report was first published on 6 December 2019.
Nakuru Centre Offers Hope to GBV Victims ¶
Published on December 6, 2019
Love and Hope Centre, a Catholic Church-run institution in Nakuru Town, has been providing crucial support services to victims of gender-based violence (GBV) in the region.
The centre, which was established three years ago by Sister Patricia, offers counseling services, witness support programs, and education on life skills to help victims rebuild their lives.
Since its inception, the centre has rehabilitated 600 female GBV victims, with some beneficiaries going on to secure employment in the hospitality industry.
"I had lost hope in life after I was raped by my stepfather," said Ms. Grace, a beneficiary of the centre. "But when I was brought to the Love and Hope Centre, I was counselled and changed my mind. I was enrolled in a dressmaking course and today I am earning a living."
"I had lost hope in life after I was raped by my stepfather. I even contemplated committing suicide but when I was brought at the Love and Hope Centre, I was counselled and changed my mind. I was enrolled in a dressmaking course and today I am earning a living," said Ms. Grace.
Another beneficiary, Ms. Trufena, has also credited the centre with helping her to overcome the trauma of being raped by a relative. She has since set up a small business and is able to fend for her two children.
"I have bought a sewing machine through merry go round group after I was trained at Love and Hope Centre and today I earn my daily bread and my two children don't go hungry," said Ms. Trufena.
"I have bought a sewing machine through merry go round group after I was trained at Love and Hope Centre and today I earn my daily bread and my two children don't go hungry," said Ms. Trufena.
The centre relies on donations and support from well-wishers, including the United Nations Trust Fund project, to run its programs.
"We have convinced young girls, especially sexual abuse victims, to go back to school," said John Wanyoike, the centre's project coordinator.
The centre has also established a network of community advocacy champions, volunteers, and committed residents who are working to end GBV in Nakuru County.
"We are training about 500 women and girls on how to cope with the aftermath of the gender-based violence," said Mr. Wanyoike.
He expressed concern over the increasing cases of GBV in the county, attributing it to the rising level of depression in society.
"We have a mental health crisis in Kenya which needs a national conversation," he said.
