Dancing Debbie

Debbie came to Neema in January 2018, as a mother of 2 children (Crisandus, 3 years and Melody, 1.5 years) and a grade 6 education level. She felt desperate for an opportunity that would change the future for her family.

Debbie is one of six children. She was raised in a polygamous home where her mother was the second of seven wives. Her father died in 2002 under mysterious circumstances. Her mother has carried the responsibility of providing for her 6 children as a casual laborer, with no consistent work. Debbie’s family was chased out of her father’s home and has been living with the grandmother in extreme material poverty. She and her siblings struggle under the burden of rejection from the rest of their family.

Debbie loves to dance and is filled with joy. She is resilient in the face of adversity. She is a courageous young woman who has excelled in learning the skill of dressmaking and continues to grow as a loving mother. Debbie recently shared, “I am thankful that I have been able to stay in a safe place. I am strong and learning a skill. I believe that one day I will help my family by providing food and building a family home.”

In December, upon completing her Level 1 National Dressmaking Certification Exam, she will be one step closer to her dream of having a skill to help earn an income to provide food and a home for her family.

Neema believes that every young woman is valuable and worthy of love and grace. It is our privilege to invest in the future of Debbie, Crisandus and Melody.