A Brighter Future for Sophie

Sophie is a 6-year-old girl, raised by her mother alongside four brothers in challenging circumstances after her father fall victim to a rebel attack in their village (Bolamba commune, Benzambé in Central African Republic). The mother worked on the field with limited productivity and occasionally selling some goods at the local market. Additionally, she used to work as a house cleaner to complement her income. The family’s struggles intensified when Sophie suffered a sexual assault, adding more sorrow to their already difficult situation. 

On the 29^th of August 2023, around 9 AM, while the mother was at the market and her brothers at school, the girl was left alone at home. Two boys from a neighbouring house took advantage of the situation, leading to a traumatic incident. Hearing her cries, some students informed Sophie’s elder brother, prompting the perpetrators to flee.

Informed about the situation at the market, the mother immediately took Sophie to MSF’s Health Centre in Tangolo, a near village, for medical care. After receiving adequate and timely medical treatment, MSF referred Sophie and her mother to the Regional Social Affairs Department (DRAS), which lead them to SOS Children’s Villages, one of the JF-CPiE agencies in Central African Republic. 

Arriving at SOS, the mother, initially overwhelmed and distressed, was welcomed by one of our psychosocial agents, who initiated the case management process. Then, together with Sophie, they attended active listening sessions, which gave them some strength and emotional support in the midst of pain.

“When I arrived at SOS, I was warmly welcomed and listened. Honestly, I did not expect it. She is the only girl among the four boys, and I have struggled to raise them in the absence of their deceased father”, says the mother remembering the first day she arrived at our organization.  

Due to the assault, Sophie suffered stigmatization. She thought she had lost her dignity and even questioned her place in the community,

“Other children were laughing on me, they said I was foolish and that I had lost my dignity, I used to think: with whom can I play?”, says the young girl.

By participating to recreational activities at one of the SOS Child-friendly spaces, she made new friends, regaining confidence and happiness.  

Sophie and her mother received dignity kits and counselling on child protection. “After the interview at SOS and the psychological support I received, I have the morale and confidence that none is lost for my little girl. She has a future; she is neither the first nor the last; it happens, it is unexpected. The best thing is to have her by my side, not leave her alone at home, tell her to be vigilant if anyone approaches her, and continue to take care of herself”, says the mother.  

JF-CPiE’s comprehensive assistance, including psychological aid, counselling, awareness raising, Child-friendly spaces, and empowerment through cash for income generating activities, has resulted in positive changes in the lives of many children. The JF-CPiE project has been a new start for several families in the Ouham prefecture in Central African Republic, a country that has endured more than a decade of conflict, submerged into a profound humanitarian crisis.