Resilience beyond trauma: A survivor's journey from the darkness
“I miss the time when I went to school with my friends, played with them and studied together,” Su recalls her memories of being a student. Su is a 15-year-old registered girl from Bogale Township. Currently, she is raising her two-year-old son by undertaking odd jobs alongside her sister in the village. Su expresses, "Life is challenging for us. I am working as a casual labourer, doing soil plowing and paddy cultivation. My brother and in-laws work as masons. while my mother, a housewife, stays at home to care for my son and other kids." Su lives with a total of 16 family members, and there are three households under one roof.
Su became pregnant against her will, and the perpetrator is one of her in-laws. Upon learning about Su's pregnancy, her family, particularly her parents, immediately restricted her from going out and interacting with the community. Su shares the difficulties she faced, stating,
"When my father noticed that I was pregnant, he scolded me and refused to talk with me. My health worsened during the pregnancy, and I often needed to go to the clinic, but we lacked the financial resources. I felt overwhelmed with sadness, and crying most of the time."
The Child Protection Advocacy Group (CPAG) reported Su's case to World Vision Myanmar (WVM) through the Bogale Area Program. World Vision Myanmar promptly investigated and responded to the case, facilitating medical check-ups for Su. Additionally, World Vision Myanmar provided psychosocial and financial support throughout her pregnancy. Su shared her experiences, stating, "When we were unsure of what to do, World Vision Myanmar came to us and provided not just financial assistance but also mental support. They provided essential food items for our family throughout my pregnancy." Furthermore, in collaboration with the Community Child Protection Advocacy Group, World Vision Myanmar assisted with legal issues related to Su's case. Consequently, the perpetrator received a 15-year prison sentence.
World Vision Myanmar continues to extend support to Su and her family, providing essential food items and financial assistance to help her establish a small business. In addition, the organization's staff and volunteers regularly meet with Su and her son to monitor their health and discuss future plans. Su expressed, "Now, my daily routine involves taking care of my son, managing household chores, and doing various odd jobs. Thanks to the basic food provided by World Vision Myanmar, my son is in good health. I am putting in effort to organize a birthday party for my two-year-old son."
Su expressed, "My dream is to become a judge. When I approached my teacher in school to pursue further education, I was informed that attending school in my community was not permitted anymore. However, I am determined not to give up easily. I reached out to my sister, who currently lives in Mandalay Township, and attempted to continue my education there. If that doesn't work out, I am prepared to learn sewing and generate income to support my son in becoming an educated individual."
Putting an end to violence against children is the core of World Vision's mission to uphold child rights and ensure that children experience "life in all its fullness." World Vision actively works to prevent and address exploitation, neglect, abuse, and various forms of violence. Additionally, we advocate for policy and statutory changes that contribute to the protection of the world's most vulnerable children.