SURVIVOR UPDATE: MCKENZIE FULFILLS DREAM OF BECOMING A TEACHER

This is O.U.R. Aftercare Director Jessica Mass visiting with Mckenzie (name changed) and her son in Africa! Almost two years ago, Mckenzie was rescued from trafficking in the Mediterranean. A false employment agency told her there was an opportunity for her to become a trained, certified childcare provider in the Mediterranean. McKenzie was thrilled because she loves children. When she arrived, however, she was put in a home where she was a slave – repeatedly exploited and forced to clean and do chores with little to no food. She missed her son back home and became very depressed.

One day she decided to try and escape. Luckily, she was able to find help! The O.U.R. Ops Team assisted in Mckenzie’s rescue from the Mediterranean and our Aftercare Team supported her repatriation and aftercare.

Mckenzie’s road to recovery has come with many challenges, but we are so excited for her because she has achieved her dream!

She received aftercare from our in-country partners, became a certified teacher, her son is in school, and now she has her very own apartment that she is renting! She has reached her dreams of becoming a teacher and becoming self-sufficient.

On this recent visit to her home, our team was also able to meet with some of Mckenzie’s sisters, nieces, and nephews. We believe that when possible, strengthening the family unit is a vital part of the healing process for survivors.

A rescue is never complete without immediate and long-term aftercare. We are so inspired by Mckenzie’s hard work and determination to overcome her challenges and become a teacher like she has always dreamed.