Abrina Esther House
Abrina Esther House runs a women’s shelter and a men’s shelter for victims of domestic abuse and human trafficking survivors. Based in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, it welcomes all women and men regardless of background and helps them rebuild their lives.
The shelters welcome up to 300 adults and their children each year, providing secure, temporary accommodation for 6 months. Many more people are turned away because there isn’t any space. They receive the support they need to look to the future with hope. Many have never had the chance to attend school and those that have are unlikely to have finished their education. Most come from child-headed or grandmother-headed households, having lost their parents to HIV and AIDS and poverty.
According to Lifeline, a local NGO who refers women: “AEH is the best facility available to women in this area”. AEH is also the only designated shelter for Human Trafficking Victims endorsed by the Department of Social Development.
“My stay at AEH helped me to realise who I am. I feel safe and secure in knowing that I am not alone in times of trouble and hardship. I know that God is with me and that I have found a new family in Christ, the people of Esther House.”
Mary, who had suffered all kinds of abuse and had given up on life before her stay at Abrina Esther House.
E3’s funding helps provide:
Nutritious meals – about 80% of the guests are HIV-positive so this is vital to ensure their antiretroviral medication works and keeps them well. When they go to clinic, they often receive complements from their health care workers on how healthy they are and the drastic change they notice in their physical well-being. The change is because of being in a safe space and receiving healthy meals.
Compulsory counselling by fully trained staff and a Social Worker, and access to a psychologist and medical advice.
Skills training and income generating activities, which bring in a sustainable income for the Shelter and equip the women and men to earn a living when they leave so they are not dependent on others. Activities include computer skills, baking, perfume making and beauty treatments. Most of them start their own small businesses; some use their skills to find a job.
Opportunities for self-development such as life skills and Bible studies to strengthen them emotionally and spiritually.
Gender-based violence awareness sessions in schools to help children see the signs of grooming and abuse and know how to report it. Many children are on their own after school so AEH runs a drop-in centre once a week for children in Edendale. They serve nutritious meals, help with homework and keep children safe until their parents come home. Pietermaritzburg still remains one of the top 10 hotspot areas for crime in South Africa – especially gender-based violence.
Grant from E3: £10,000
Nokuthula Mcunu is General Manager.
