From Escaping FGM, to Building a Bright Future (written by Lucia Mkirya)
My name is Lucia Mkirya and i come from Kitagasembe village in Tarime District, Tanzania. In 2017, when i was still a young girl, my parents planned for me to undergo Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). At school, I had learned about the harmful effects of FGM and understood that it could negatively effect my health, education and future. Because of this knowledge I firmly refused to be cut.
Unfortunately, my parents did not understand my decision. Preparations for the ceremony continued, food and firewood were purchased, invitation cards were distributed and new cloths were bought for me. Although I was deeply afraid, I did not show any sign that I planned to escape.
With only four days remaining before the ceremony, I quietly left home one evening and sought help from a friend I attended school with. We traveled by motorcycle to avoid being recognized by people from the village. Along the way, we were involved in an accident. Although we suffered minor injuries, we quickly continued our journey. When we reached Sirari, i joined a vehicle carrying other girls who had also escape FGM and together we travelled to Serengeti.
Upon arriving at the safe house run by Hope for Girls and Women Tanzania, we were warmly welcome by Mama Rhobi Samwelly. I received care, support and all the rights every child deserves at the safe house.
However, I was heartbroken when I learned that my younger sister had been cut in my place, since all the preparations had already been completed, my family decided not to cancel the ceremony. After undergoing FGM,my sister dropped out of school and was later married. This news caused me great pain and sadness.
When the FGM season ended, Mama Rhobi together with the police and the team worked hard to reconcile me with my family so that I could return home and continued my education. Sadly, my father refused to sign the agreement documents and my mother did not want to see me. It was one of the most difficult period of my life. I cried often and felt rejected by the people I loved most. During that painful time, Mama Rhobi became my source of comfort, encouragement and hope.
Despite these challenges, I continued with my education and never gave up on my dreams. In 2020 I graduated with a Diploma in Tourism and Hospitality from Moshi. Shortly afterward, I received practical training with Nomad Tanzania for six months. At the end of my internship, the company offered me employment and i signed a contract. Today I am proudly working in the tourism industry with Nomad Tanzania.
My life has changed tremendously. Through my work, I have been able to rebuild my relationship with my parents. Today, when they face challenges they call me for support and I am able to help them financially. I have built modern houses for my parents, paid for my younger brother to study as a tour guide course and supported another young brother to attend a private school. I continue to support my family in many other ways.
Looking back, I am grateful that I had the courage to escape FGM and pursue my education. My journey demonstrate that when girls are protected, educated and supported, they can transform not only their own lives but also the lives of their families and communities.
My deepest gratitude goes to Mama Rhobi Samwelly. She was the ladder that helped me climb towards a better future. Without her support, guidance and determination, i would not be where i am today. May God continue to bless her abundantly and open many more opportunities for her so that she can continue helping vulnerable girls like me achieve their dream.
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