Marie’s Story

By

Mathia Philippe, Child Advocate

I would like to share with you the story of a child who
has had an impact on me while working as an advocate. This child’s name is Marie*.  She is 20 years old and in the 6th grade.  One day, when I was meeting with her, she said,
“Mathia, I would like to talk to you about my life.”  I took time to listen to her.

She began, “I am a child who has been through a lot of
trials in my life.  My mother died when I
was 7 years old, and my father when I was 8 years old.  After the death of my parents, I was living
with my aunt. My aunt had two daughters. The first one was 11 and the second
was 9.  In the house, I was the only one
who did the chores: getting water from very far away, cleaning up the house,
doing laundry…I also had to carry the youngest daughter’s backpack to school
for her, even though I was even younger than she was. My aunt demanded I do
this for her. I went to bed late and woke up very early in the morning in order
to complete the household chores. They insulted and beat me a lot. I was with
no hope or value. Life had been difficult for me.  Many years passed while I did not go to
school.

When I was fifteen, my aunt kicked me out of the house.
I began living with a lady I did not really know.  One morning, this woman sent me to buy something.  While I was running this errand, I met a woman
who said to me, “Child, you should be in school right now.  Don’t you go to school?”  I replied “no,” and the lady filled out a form
on which she wrote many things concerning me. I soon learned that she was a
child advocate for Restavek Freedom. Ever since that day, she has valued me and
told me a lot about life. She also explained how much I am worth in her eyes.
It was the first time I felt valuable. She enrolled me in a school.  I was 15.

Now I live with my cousin, and my life is a little bit
better because Restavek Freedom is helping me in different ways.  Thanks to the Foundation who helps me go to
school, I believe I will become an important person in the eyes of society.

Restavek Freedom is a blessing to me.  I love Restavek Freedom so much and wish God will
keep blessing you!

*This child’s name has been changed to protect their
privacy.