Deborah

Deborah is a 23-year-old mother who grew up in poverty, neglect and abuse. She left school early and, from the age of 13, sold bananas on the streets to help support her family. Later, after becoming pregnant and losing the support of her family and the father of her child, she turned to commercial sex work to provide for her daughter.

Deborah joined Omugaso International Sanctuary in September 2025, carrying years of hardship and emotional pain. Yet she arrived with a willingness to learn and a determination to create a different future.

One of her earliest commitments was saving. Through financial literacy and life skills training, Deborah began budgeting, tracking her expenses and consistently setting money aside. Today, she runs two small businesses selling fruits and snacks while continuing to work toward her dream of owning a wholesale shop. Even when business is challenging, she continues to adapt, save and reinvest.

Her growth is also deeply personal. Through counselling and mentorship, Deborah is learning to process her past and recognise that caring for herself is as important as caring for others. She has also begun rebuilding her relationship with her mother. Where meaningful conversations once felt impossible, Deborah now intentionally creates time to connect with her.

Within the Sanctuary, Deborah has become a warm, supportive and active member of the community. Her teachable spirit, work ethic and willingness to serve have earned the trust of those around her.

In June 2026, Deborah was promoted to Trainee, recognising her commitment, consistency and personal growth.

Deborah is still healing and learning to balance her responsibilities with her own needs. But she is also building something she did not have growing up: stability, choice and hope for the future.

For Deborah, creating a better life is no longer simply a dream - it is something she is actively building, one decision at a time.