Resty a 24year old girl came to Wakisa in March 2017, at the time she was 1month pregnant. She’s the only child of her parents. They separated, and each got children from another partner. Resty grew up with her mother and maternal grandparents. Her biological father is mentally sick and therefore hasn’t supported her all her life. Her mother burns and sells charcoal for a living and that’s what she’s done to support her 5 children.
Resty has had a tough up brining that at 14 years old she had to work as a house-help in order to get school fees. Her mother had a friend that connected her to a family of 8 people where the owners were willing to support her with her education as long as she attended to all the house chores. Resty’s day started at 4:00am with preparing for the children for school and breakfast for the entire family. She made sure all the duties in the house were done before she left for school of which she had to be in class by 7am. Most times she missed school due to the chores she had to finish before leaving the house. When she came back from school, she had to prepare dinner for the family and also attend to her fellow children who had to be in bed by 9:00pm. When everyone had retired to bed, she then had to do laundry for the entire family and by the time she went to bed, it was either or past midnight. She also got some bitter punishments whenever she broke a cup or plate as she washed the utensils. Resty confirms that she never minded doing the house chores as she was happy her tuition was paid and also had a roof over her head. The only thing she dreaded was the heavy punishments she was given which were denying her food and sleeping outside the house on the veranda.
One day after spending most nights outside, neighbors noticed and they decided to help her because the environment wasn’t safe for her as their house was surrounded by club houses with people that were drunkards and smoked cigarettes. These neighbors who were men told her they could share their room with her every time she was thrown out. Indeed, they came to rescue for so many nights, however, one fateful night after her boss kicking her out of the house, she went to the men’s house but unfortunately, 2 of the men had traveled to the village and only 1 was there. On inquiring where the other 2 were, he lied to her that they’d be coming in soon. So, she slept and unfortunately, he sexually defiled her.
The following day she didn’t go to school as she was in a lot of pain from the sexual abuse. After some time, due to the mistreatment and frustrations she run away from that home and went back to the village to the mother. When her mother realized she was pregnant, she blamed her friend that had gotten her that job, however, because she had heard of Wakisa Ministries and therefore, referred her and the director brought her on board. That was a miracle on its own.
After giving birth, her auntie took care of her child and she went back to school. She had to put into practice what she had learnt at Wakisa Ministries in the cookery skills class by frying doughnuts in order to support her baby and pay her tuition. She also did casual jobs that helped with the support. She completed her high school and joining University was another journey on its own, rough and tough but by God’s grace, she met with auntie Vivian again and she told her she had gotten someone to sponsor her university tuition from her second year. She’s currently in her 3rd year pursing a Bachelor of Science in Forestry and has 1year to complete. Resty is very grateful for what God is doing in her life and is looking forward for a brighter future.
