“After I returned from Europe, Pathfinders gave me hope when I had no hope. They were like a mother, a father, a big sister to me during what was a very difficult time. They believed in me and helped me start a small business selling soft drinks and water at a market in Benin City. They have given me joy and hope again and I am able to support myself financially. What they are doing for women like me is just incredible. When I think of them, it brings my heart joy because I remember where I came from. I thank God for them. I hope that one day I can do the same for someone else in this situation. Thank you, Pathfinders, I’m grateful!” ~Esther O. O., survivor turned business-owner.
“If not for Pathfinders, I would have been eating grass today. After I was sex trafficked to Europe, I was abandoned by my madam and then sexually abused and raped. When I returned from Europe to Nigeria in 2015, I was six months pregnant and helpless. Even my mother was unable to provide all the help that I needed, even though she took me back in. Pathfinders provided free pre-natal care for me and my baby and after my little girl was born, they provided us with some financial support. Once my daughter got a little older, Pathfinders provided me with start-up training and funding to help me start a small used clothing business. When I needed surgery, they were also there for me. Today, I am able to support myself financially, as well as my daughter who is now almost two. I am also training to become a nurse. After God in heaven, the people at Pathfinders are next. They have been God’s help to me.”
~Loveth O., survivor turned business-owner and nursing student.
~Blessing O., survivor turned advocate and business owner.
“I would be nowhere if it had not been for Pathfinders. They have done so much to help me, including providing the funding for my fashion design business, paying my [personal and business] rent and even supporting my daughter by paying her school fees. They gave me the encouragement to carry on with my life after being used and abused. I really don’t know where I would have been without them because I had nothing to fall back on. I landed on empty ground, with no help. They gave me hope and told me that this was not the end of the road; that I still had a lot to do. Because of Pathfinders, I picked up the courage to continue and today, I am the woman that I always knew I could be. My heart is full of joy and I don’t know how else to express my gratitude to them. Thank you!”
Joy O., survivor turned fashion designer.