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Khatija's StoryKhatija is a single mother with two boys, Shawn 11- years, Keith 4-years. Khatija came to Canada from Kenya in 1991 and was faced with hardship shortly after when she was forced to flee an abusive husband with her eight-year-old son Shawn, and while pregnant with baby Keith. They were forced to move in with Khatija’s mother and share a tiny apartment while crammed into one bedroom. Three years ago, Khatija and her boys moved into their new 2-bdrm apartment in the EHM residence. Here is their story.
Khatija's StoryA home is more than a shelter for a night, it is part of your identity. For my son Shawn, the knowledge that we had no home to call our own was devastating. His grades were falling and he had lost his friends when we fled. He didn’t dream of being a fireman or police officer when he grew up. He just wanted a Home. He was so desperate he asked if we could go live with daddy again because daddy had a house. He wanted his own home so much he wanted to move back in with a father that scared him. Life has changed so much and so quickly for us since we moved to the Evangel Hall building. Three years ago, I was lost, confused, scared. I couldn’t believe I would ever get back on my feet again. Now, with the encouragement of the staff of Evangel Hall, I have a new hope. I have peace of mind and can focus on the future. I have just completed high school in September of 2009. I have applied for college pursuing the Legal Assistant Diploma through the Second Career Program offered through the ministry. I'm waiting for the application to go through, and in the meantime looking for work. My sons are growing up fast and doing great. They both love school, with Keith getting student of the month for October, 2009! I moved to Canada from Kenya in 1991. It is only after moving into this residence, that I can say Canada is my home and I am proud to be a Canadian Citizen. I belong here and so does my family. I thank Evangel Hall Mission for giving me moral support and encouragement as I see my future goals and dreams becoming reality. Today, EHM staff are helping Khatija get ready to go to school and complete her high school diploma. Khatija has also found a way to use her gifts to help our drop-in participants. As a trained hairdresser, she provides free haircuts in the adult drop-in centre twice a month! |
