JATOU’S STORY Saffie Nyassi GTU (Gambia Teachers Union)
This is a story about Jatou, a tall, beautiful and slim girl who was in an upper basic school in the provinces of Gambia. She was the first daughter of her parents. She was an athlete and used to represent her region in national sports events. She was academically good too. Jatou was very famous in their area, and loved by almost everyone in the community. The story starts when Jatou was to represent her region at a national sports competition. All the regional athletes normally camp at one place during such events. A day before the event, at around 8pm Jatou decided to go to a nearby shop to get some chocolates. The area was dark and she was alone. Before she could reach the shop, an unidentified man suddenly came from behind her and suddenly covered her mouth with a piece of cloth. Jatou was helpless. The man pushed her to the ground with force and raped her. When Jatou was freed by the man, she managed to return to her peers. Her brown skirt was torn. There were blood stains on her. Her absence during that time was noticed. She was quickly taken to the hospital by her teacher Mrs. Njie. At the hospital, Jatou responded to treatment and was discharged a week later. When Jatou returned to her region and school the news was all over the place. It became difficult for Jatou to be in that environment.
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