When *Luya returned to Zambia after surviving human trafficking, she carried the weight of trauma and uncertainty. Life at home was not easy, she needed emotional healing and faced economic hardship. Yet even in the midst of this struggle, she began taking small but powerful steps to rebuild her life.
The first steps toward stability were small but vital. With support from Our Rescue, Luya accessed food, clothing and temporary shelter after repatriation. This marked the beginning of her healing journey.
Soon, Luya enrolled in a series of 13 trauma-informed counseling sessions. At first, she showed deep signs of trauma, but with each session, she progressed towards healing. Slowly, the weight began to lift, replaced by hope and determination.
Encouraged to join localized initiatives, Luya began gardening. She learned to grow her own vegetables and understand the importance of nutrition.
As her confidence grew, Luya participated in business training, where she discovered a passion for entrepreneurship. With the skills she gained, she launched a mobile beauty and cosmetics business, turning knowledge into action. This business became a source of income and a symbol of her independence.
But Luya’s dreams don’t stop there. She wants to mentor and empower other young women, using her experience to inspire. She plans to scale her business and create more opportunities for others. To prepare for that future, she enrolled in a one-week vocational training workshop and will soon begin a three-month fashion and design course as resources allow.
Today, Luya stands as proof of resilience. When survivors are met with compassion, structure, and opportunity, they don’t just heal—they thrive.
*Fictitious name used for confidentiality