Meskerem's Journey to Independence and Skill Development

Meskerem Alemayehu

Age

22 years old

Gender

Female

Location

Kirkos Sub-City, Addis Ababa

Support area

Disability Support and Vocational Training

Meskerem, a 22-year-old female with an intellectual disability, received comprehensive support from Raeye Children's Aid. Previously dependent on family for mobility and lacking awareness of personal safety, she has now achieved independent mobility, enhanced self-esteem, and gained crucial knowledge on protecting herself from sexual violence. She has also developed vocational skills in pottery and carpet making.

Before support

Before

Meskerem previously lacked integrated social integration and functional skills support, making her unable to commute independently from home to the center. She faced challenges with low self-esteem, lacked knowledge about personal safety and protection against sexual violence, and had difficulty with vocational skills like weaving.

Support provided

Meskerem received psychosocial support, training on self-protection against sexual violence, and customized vocational instruction at Raeye Children's Aid Center. This included social integration activities, personal safety and rights advocacy sessions, and adapted vocational workshops in pottery and carpet/mat weaving (Segaja).

Programs attended

Social integration, personal safety & rights advocacy, pottery making, and carpet/mat weaving (Segaja).

Changes observed

After

Meskerem now commutes independently from her home to the center, has increased self-confidence, and possesses a strong understanding of how to protect herself from sexual exploitation and abuse.

Major achievements

Due to the unsuitability of traditional loom weaving, Meskerem's training was adapted. She is now actively and competently participating in vocational training for pottery and carpet/mat making (Segaja).