Once a survivor in Hagar’s aftercare programme in Cambodia, Naome now joins the organisation as a social worker dedicated to helping other girls like herself heal and rebuild their lives.
Many years ago when she was a young girl, Naome was welcomed into Hagar’s recovery programme after suffering terrible abuse. She was from a remote province in northern Cambodia with few services to help her heal and rebuild her life. Naome came to Hagar for holistic support – support her family and community was unable to provide.
As Naome received counselling, education, and the nurturing support of a loving community, she began to hope for her future.
“Hagar helped me to experience the love of God,” she says. “Hagar helps survivors find hope. I grew up with new life, a new purpose.”
Over the years with such deep love and care, Naome went from a traumatized child to a flourishing young adult.
“My social worker worked with me and did not stop until I could stand by myself and see my value,” she says. “That is the reason I studied Sociology.”
With a Hagar scholarship, Naome completed her university education in sociology and social work. During that time she mentored girls in Hagar’s recovery programmes.
Today, Naome is a survivor leader and a trusted social worker. And now, she is returning to Hagar as a staff member.
“What makes me most excited is that I can help other victims, like Hagar helped me,” she says.
As Hagar’s social worker, Naome will walk alongside survivors – girls just like herself – who are beginning their healing journey.
“I want to help other survivors and let them know that they have value, they are so special. I want everyone to know that I have recovered from trauma because Hagar’s staff worked so hard and supported me. Now I am a strong woman and I can help others that don’t believe they are strong enough.”
