From anxiety to advocacy — how safe spaces helped her rediscover her voice
December 20, 2024I’m 12 years old and in JHS1. I live with my grandmother and two younger brothers. Most days, I help sweep the compound before school and cook rice water when I come home. But before I joined Talk2Me Foundation, I didn’t enjoy anything — not school, not home, not even playing with my friends.
I used to keep everything inside. I would smile in public, but inside I felt sad and confused. There were days I didn’t want to talk to anyone. In class, I hardly raised my hand even when I knew the answer. I was scared I would say the wrong thing or that someone would laugh at me. Sometimes, I didn’t even understand why I was crying at night.
Today, I’m not just surviving. I’m speaking, leading, and dreaming bigger than ever.
Then one day, my classmate told me about a program she goes to after school — something called a “Safe Space” at Talk2Me Foundation. I followed her just to see what it was about. That day changed my life.
The aunties at Talk2Me didn’t shout or talk too much. They asked how I was feeling — and really waited for an answer. At first, I was shy. But slowly, I started opening up. Every week, we talked about things I didn’t know we were even allowed to talk about — fear, anger, even how to love ourselves. It felt like someone had finally switched on a light inside me.
I never imagined that just talking could change everything. At one point, I felt invisible — burdened with anxiety, unsure of myself, and scared to ask for help. Then I found Talk2Me Foundation. The Safe Space sessions gave me my voice back. For the first time, I felt seen, heard, and understood. I learned to manage my emotions, build confidence, and even mentor younger girls in my community.
Today, I’m not just surviving. I’m speaking, leading, and dreaming bigger than ever.
I started noticing small changes. I could answer questions in class without my voice shaking. I made a few more friends. When someone in my dorm was crying, I knew how to comfort them. It made me feel like I mattered — like I was strong, even if I wasn’t perfect.
Now, I’m part of a small group that helps new girls settle into the program. I’ve even helped lead one of our group sessions, talking about how to handle stress before exams. The girls listened to me — just like I listened to others when I first came. That made me proud.
My dream is to become a school counselor. I want to help other girls who feel lost the way I used to. I want them to know it’s okay to talk, to cry, and to grow. Because of Talk2Me Foundation, I believe in myself again.
This is just the beginning of my story.
