From anxiety to advocacy — how safe spaces helped her rediscover her voice
December 20, 2024I’m 13 years old and in JHS1. I live with my grandma and my two little brothers. I usually sweep the compound before school, and after school I cook rice water at home. But before I joined Talk2Me Foundation, I didn’t really enjoy anything, not school, not being at home, not even playing with friends.
I used to keep everything to myself. I would smile and pretend I was fine, but deep down I felt really sad and confused. Some days, I didn’t want to talk to anyone. In class, even when I knew the answer, I was too scared to raise my hand because I thought people would laugh at me. Sometimes I’d cry at night and not even know why.
Today, I’m not just surviving. I’m speaking, leading, and dreaming bigger than ever.
One day, a classmate told me about a program she goes to after school. It was called a “Safe Space” by Talk2Me Foundation. I went with her just to see what it was all about, and honestly, that day changed my life.
The aunties there didn’t shout or talk over me. They asked how I was feeling and waited for me to answer. At first, I didn’t know what to say. But little by little I started talking. We spoke about things I never knew we could talk about, like fear, anger, and how to love ourselves. It felt like someone turned on a light inside me.
I never knew talking could help so much. Before, I felt invisible, always nervous, and afraid to ask for help. But the Safe Space gave me my voice back. I started to feel like someone finally saw me and understood me. I learned how to handle my feelings and be more confident. Now I even help some of the younger girls in my community.
Now things are different. I can answer questions in class without shaking. I’ve made more friends. And when someone is sad or crying, I know what to say to help them feel better. That makes me feel strong, like I actually matter.
I’m also part of a small team that helps welcome new girls into the program. I even helped lead a group talk once, where I shared tips about how to handle stress before exams. When the girls listened to me, I felt proud, just like I used to listen when I first joined.
Someday, I want to be a school counselor. I want to help girls who feel lost like I did. I want them to know it’s okay to talk, to cry, and to grow.
Because of Talk2Me Foundation, I believe in myself again.
And this is just the beginning.
