This story is about Stecy, a teenager who is now in 8th grade. Last school year, during my meetings with her, it was very difficult for her to share information with me. She has experienced a lot of trauma; she has had a bad living situation and has suffered a lot.
Stecy lives very far from school. Before going to school, she has to do everything, including going to fetch water, washing the dishes and doing all of the chores. Once she is back home, she has to cook for the family. She does not have time to take a break or study her lessons. She does not have family support at home, although she is very much in need of emotional support, attention, and love. That situation has caused her to cry during our interviews and for her to think often about suicide.
During the school year, I had a special meeting with her where I talked with her about her situation. I spent time with her to help her understand that her difficult living situation is not going to last the rest of her life, because she has a chance to go to school, and is well loved. Every time I went to her school, I spent time with her to give her psychological support, and I also encouraged her parents to be there for her and allow her to have free time to enjoy herself.
By the end of the school year, she had become confident; she felt much better, was now smiling all the time. She did not cry anymore. And when I met with her at the start of this new school year, she was very happy to receive her backpack and school supplies. I have watched her transform into a very nice girl who is proud of herself. The change in her is very evident.
Marie Yolaine, her Child Advocate
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