At just 14 years old, Shiela* arrived at Wakisa Ministries carrying more than just the weight of an unexpected pregnancy... she carried the deep wounds of betrayal, fear, and trauma.
The eldest of three children, Shiela had grown up believing in the love of her family. But in June 2024, her world was shattered when her own father began to abuse her. What started as a single horrifying incident quickly became a cycle of repeated sexual violence. Too afraid to speak out, Shiela suffered in silence, until a school illness led to a hospital visit, where it was discovered she was pregnant.
It was only then that the truth began to surface. Her father fled, and her mother, devastated, struggled to comprehend what had happened under her own roof. Shiela was referred to Wakisa Ministries, where she found not just shelter, but safety, compassion, and the beginning of healing.
From Trauma to Transformation
Shiela embraced every opportunity at Wakisa. She threw herself into tailoring classes, where she learned to sew skirts, baby bibs, and shorts - skills she now hopes to use to support her baby.
Though she initially struggled with the sewing machine and the maths involved in measuring and cutting, her determination never wavered. Her teachers describe her as respectful, committed, and passionate.
On 18th May, with the support of Wakisa’s midwives, Shiela gave birth to a healthy baby boy; the second baby born in Wakisa’s new maternity ward. Today, she is a proud and loving mother, full of hope for the future.
Shiela dreams of returning to school and one day becoming a primary school teacher. But before that, she plans to use the skills she’s gained at Wakisa to provide for her son and build a stable life.
Thanks to the love and support of Wakisa Ministries, and the prayers and generosity of people like you, Shiela’s story is no longer one of pain, but of transformation, resilience, and hope.
*name changed for security purposes
