Maria Abdul

Maria Abdul is 12 years old and comes from Babati where she lived with her grandfather and uncle. She ran away from home in March 2009 to escape being beaten by her uncle. She met Amani’s Street Educator on the streets of Arusha and was immediately brought to the Amani center.

Maria was enrolled in Amani’s Starter’s Class where she enjoyed learning how to read Swahili and to speak English. She told teachers that one day she hopes to become a teacher.

Social workers at Amani met with Maria’s grandfather and learned that Maria’s mother was alive and living in Mwanga. Amani’s social workers learned that Maria’s mother was happy to bring her back into the family home and plans were made to begin a reunification.

Maria is now back at home with her mother and was recently enrolled in primary school. Amani’s social workers will continue to meet with Maria and her mother to ensure she is safe and happy.