 Because of MKLM donors, missioner Ilona is able to provide sexually abused children with food, shelter, and safety. Here, she and the children make Christmas decorations—one of many activities designed to restore the children’s self-worth.  Activities like coloring and watching movies (see below) help the children relax and feel safe in their environment  Here the children enjoy the movie, “The Adventures of St. Paul.” Leisure activities such as this often represent the first time they are allowed to safely enjoy being children. Missioner Ilona makes sure of it. |
| Founded in 2007, Mahali Pa Usalama (A Safe Place) is a rescue center for children who have been sexually abused. The center’s goal is to restore the dignity of the children it has rescued from horrendous acts of abuse, exploitation, and trafficking in commercial sex operations. As of 2009, the center had served 71 children, all of whom received shelter, food, clothing and counseling. Susan* is 17 years old. She was 7 when her mother died and her father began sexually abusing her. After a few years, the signs of abuse revealed themselves to Susan’s teacher. The abuse was reported, the father was arrested, and Susan became a resident of A Safe Place. With the support of staff members, Susan has begun to heal emotionally. And, she is setting educational goals for next year. Fatima’s* story is another success of A Safe Place. Just 6 years old, Fatima’s short life includes being sold into the sex trade by her grandmother. Her mother and grandmother are drug addicts. Fatima’s childhood was stolen from her. When she first came to Mahali Pa Usalama, she was very angry and often quarreled with the other children. Now, she is beginning to heal. Her expressions of happiness, making friends, and shedding her guard are reflections of the safety she feels at the center. A Safe Place is seeking a home for Fatima where she can grow up in a healthy and loving environment. • Read more about Ilona ministry here. • Please consider donating to MKLM, the organization that keeps Ilona and other missioners like her in mission. All contributions are tax deductible *name changed |
