The truck driver covered us with goods so we could pass through the border undetected. We have not seen or heard from our parents or siblings since.
– Irene, age 14
At age 14, as Irene* cared for several family members in her village in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, she suddenly heard screams and gunshots. Irene’s parents and many of her nine siblings were tending cattle at the time. Irene quickly gathered the children she was caring for and they ran for their lives.
That day, Irene, a child herself, unwittingly went from being a babysitter to leading a child-headed household. With Irene, the children managed to sneak onto a lumber truck bound for Kenya. Since that day, Irene and the children have not seen or heard from their family members. Life in Nairobi was difficult for the children. Irene, now caring for the children, was unable to continue her studies at school. She worked hard as a house cleaner and dishwasher but Child-Headed Households received little compensation. In addition, Irene could not access proper medical care for her niece, who had a heart condition. A RefugePoint Community Outreach Volunteer referred the case to our Child Protection Team. Due to the extreme risk often faced by unaccompanied minors, the team quickly rated the case for urgent resettlement. Thankfully, Irene and the children have resettled to the United States, where they are enjoying a fresh start. When asked in Nairobi what treasured possessions they would carry with them on their journey to the United States, they all pulled out their schoolbooks and excellent test scores (photo left).
*Name changed for anonymity