Yohana’s story

When Yohana* finished primary school, her uncle offered for her to stay with his family in town and to fund her secondary education and living costs. Her own parents, subsistence farmers, were not able to do so, nor was her grandmother, who she had lived with for some time. Excited at the prospect of continuing school, she eagerly agreed, thinking that she would be better able to support herself and help her parents.

When she arrived at her uncle’s, he asked her to delay starting school until his wife had given birth. She was required to work in her uncle’s shop instead of attending school, and was mistreated. This went on for several years.

Eventually, she found a job working as a housemaid. After some months, she managed to meet another relative who she felt safe with, and was able to explain what had happened. She went to live with the relative, who pledged to help her find an opportunity to attend school. This is how Yohana came to attend KIWOHEDE Open School. She is doing well in the school and dreams of continuing her studies so that she will be able to help her family and other young girls.

Yohana’s story demonstrates some of the issues that affect many young girls in Tanzania. Such experiences cause significant trauma and disrupt education and future prospects.

The KIWOHEDE Open School provides a place of safety and offers trauma informed education, allowing young people to feel safe and begin to build a future for themselves and their families.

*identifying details have been omitted or changed.