This is the story and video (removed) of a young 12-year-old girl who was abused when she was 5 years old.
Why are we talking about this? Why are we showing her photo? What do we hope to accomplish?
In a Christian or even secular would we must do better at marking in time when we see bad things happen in person. We have to talk about sin's and atrocities so they will be marked then and there. There is no shame, disgrace, or dishonor talking about child sex for food when our aim is to end it. The stigma is the hurdle that must be overcome by you the reader because the girls are in danger and need your help.
Overcoming other hurdles is an essential part of healing for the girls. The challenges of you the reader and the girls are not in the same universe. We are showing photos in the reports of girls in the program, girls outside the program, and girls who are recovering. The girls and parents and staff have all approved this and the girls are sometimes shown with pseudonyms.
We are showing you, the reader, that Star of Hope works with this problem in Kenya and also in the Philippines. The goal is to gain your support as you can help just one girl.
Content Warnings and Trigger Warnings
The following text directly from our country manager Pastor Gilbert, deals with, sex for food, Child abuse, pedophilia, incest, and more. Stop here if needed.
We recorded an interview with this girl but because of the sensitive topic, we did not ask her about the horrible events that took place. However, we have put her under the counseling program with a professional counselor from the government.
Catlyn Wendi is a Grade 5 pupil at Living Word Primary School. Her mother is called Beatrice and is an active member of the Word of Life Faith church Mikindani. Beatrice separated from her husband when she gave birth to Catlyn. By this time, they were living in upcountry, western Kenya. Life got difficult for Beatrice and she decided to leave her baby with the grandparents and she came to Mombasa to seek a better job. She is now working as a tailor.
Catlyn lived with her grandparents all her life until the year 2019 when Beatrice decided to bring her daughter, now a 12-year-old teenager to Mombasa to live with her. After living with her daughter for some time, Beatrice realized a foul smell and strange behaviors from Catlyn and when she confronted her about the matter, Catlyn opened up. Catlyn told her mother that she was sexually abused by a male caretaker that was living with her grandparents. She told her mother that it occurred many times but never told anyone about it. This was really sad news for Beatrice. She followed up the matter with the grandparents and they have involved the police. In the meantime, the Pastoral Care program for the girl child has put Catlyn under a therapist who will be helping her through her recovery journey.
Please help one girl - support this work.