About Refushe
Refushe: Empowering Young Refugee Women in East Africa
Refushe is a non-profit organization that aims to empower young refugee women in East Africa through a unique holistic model that provides shelter, education, case management, counseling, child care, and vocational training. The organization was founded by Heshima Kenya, which has been working with refugee girls and young women since 2008.
Refugee women face numerous challenges when they flee their homes due to conflict or persecution. They often lack access to basic needs such as food, water, shelter and healthcare. They are also at risk of violence and exploitation during their journey to safety. Once they arrive at a refugee camp or settlement, they may face further challenges such as limited access to education and job opportunities.
Refushe recognizes these challenges and works towards providing comprehensive support for young refugee women in East Africa. The organization's holistic approach addresses the physical, emotional and social needs of its beneficiaries.
Shelter
One of the first steps towards empowering young refugee women is providing them with safe housing. Refushe offers transitional housing for up to two years for girls aged 13-23 who have fled conflict or persecution in their home countries. The housing facilities are designed to provide a safe space where the girls can heal from trauma while receiving support services.
Education
Education is key to breaking the cycle of poverty among refugees. Refushe provides formal education through partnerships with local schools as well as vocational training programs that equip young women with skills needed for employment opportunities.
Case Management
Case management services help ensure that each girl receives individualized support based on her unique needs. Case managers work closely with each girl throughout her stay at Refushe's facilities ensuring she receives appropriate medical care if needed; legal assistance; psychosocial support; life skills training; career guidance; financial literacy classes among others.
Counseling
Trauma-informed counseling helps address mental health issues that may arise from the girls' experiences of conflict and displacement. Refushe provides individual and group counseling sessions to help the girls heal from trauma, build resilience, and develop coping mechanisms.
Child Care
Many young refugee women are also mothers who need support in caring for their children while they attend school or vocational training programs. Refushe provides child care services to ensure that these young mothers can focus on their education or job training without worrying about their children's safety.
Vocational Training
Refushe offers vocational training programs that equip young women with skills needed for employment opportunities. The organization partners with local businesses to provide job placement opportunities for its beneficiaries.
Conclusion
Refushe is a unique organization that recognizes the challenges faced by young refugee women in East Africa. Its holistic approach towards empowering these women through shelter, education, case management, counseling, child care and vocational training has been successful in transforming lives of many refugees who have passed through its doors. By providing comprehensive support services tailored to each girl's needs, Refushe is helping break the cycle of poverty among refugees while promoting gender equality and social justice in East Africa.