As an orphan and school dropout who married at 21, had three kids and became a victim of domestic violence, being smuggled to Libya from Nigeria seemed like heaven! Thank God for Pathfinders’ social worker who stopped me and explained that I was about to be trafficked. Through her help, Pathfinders trained me and financed my hair care business. They donated a 1 year lease for my shop and paid my children’s school fees. I can now earn a living, protect my kids and be in control of my life!

I was subjected to blood rituals before being trafficked by land from Nigeria to Mali. Thankfully, I was rescued and returned to Nigeria with the help of Nigeria’s anti-trafficking agency (NAPTIP) in February 2020. After NAPTIP referred me to their partner, Pathfinders, I received shelter, vocational skills training and all my basic needs. Indeed, Pathfinders was the healing I never knew I needed. I am now on my path to stable mental and physical health and finally on my way to sustainable economic independence.

My nightmare of being deceived and trafficked for sex to Libya, where I was imprisoned for one month and five days before returning to Nigeria via the UN’s International Organization for Migration program finally ended when I encountered Pathfinders! With their support, I receive ongoing free access to psychosocial support, a donation to cover my outstanding house rent and regular provision of food items. I am so grateful that I was referred to Pathfinders. They have given me hope and changed my story!

I was raped in Libya by a man who demanded a child as a ‘thank you gift.’ After finally returning home to Nigeria broke and broken, I received humanitarian support during the COVID-19 pandemic from Pathfinders. I also received start-up capital and financial literacy classes that helped me start a small business to sell hair extensions, a donation towards my store rent for a year and counselling. Everything was free! Now, I can look at my child with less pain and believe in life again.

Being provided with free supplies, food, and transport fare during Nigeria’s COVID-19 lockdown seemed like a stroke of luck. But being registered for free vocational skills training in hair care and owning my hair care shop blew my mind. I haven't forgotten the medical assistance, counselling and access to a supportive group of women survivors that helped me reintegrate into society. Pathfinders, thank you for restoring hope to a survivor of a violent rape who was trafficked from Nigeria to Italy in 2017.