MARJORIE’S STORY KWETU MBAGALA GIRL’S HOME - TANZANIA
The Salvation Army’s Kwetu Mbagala Girl’s Home in Tanzania supports girls who have been trafficked or are vulnerable to exploitation. As part of the programme, girls stay at Kwetu Mbagala for 6 months where they receive support, counselling, education and life-skills development. Following their time at Kwetu Mbagala, girls will either be reunified with their families or, where this is not feasible, alternative options such as adoption or foster care are explored. Marjorie* is 17 years old and grew up with her grandparents after her parents died. When Marjorie completed primary school, a neighbour approached her grandmother with an opportunity to send Marjorie to the capital of Dar es Salaam to work as a house girl and earn money for the family. Whilst in Dar es Salaam, Marjorie was treated poorly, harassed and never paid the money she was promised. When she was finally able to leave, Marjorie was identified by The Salvation Army’s antihuman trafficking committee and referred to Kwetu Mbagala Girl’s Home. During her time at Kwetu Mbagala, Marjorie developed her tailoring skills which meant that when she returned home she was able to start a tailoring business to contribute to her family’s income. As a result the project’s awareness-raising initiatives that have taken place in Marjorie’s community there is a much deeper understanding of the issue of human trafficking. Marjorie’s aunt now plays the pivotal role of informing local government authorities about visitors entering the community for the purposes of taking young girls to Dar Es Salaam. Since returning home, Marjorie has become a pillar of support for her family. Her tailoring business has enabled the family to invest in a produce business that sells fruit and vegetables to the local community. Marjorie’s grandfather shared, as he sat proudly in a handmade suit sewn by Marjorie, ‘I am so proud of my granddaughter, look at what she has been able to make for me. I appreciate her.’
*Name has been changed and photo obscured to protect identity
