Finding Her Voice: Sandrine's Story

On Sundays at Three Rivers Academy, Sandrine's beautiful singing voice can often be heard leading a solo during the school service. Her confidence and joy are evident as she stands before her school community. Yet reaching this point has taken extraordinary courage.

Sandrine and her older sister are refugees from the Congo. As young children, they witnessed violence firsthand and were separated from their parents. Forced to leave their home, they eventually arrived in Kenya carrying memories and experiences that no child should have to endure.

In Kenya, Sandrine was given the opportunity to begin rebuilding her life through education. She learnt English and completed her primary education at Sunrise of Africa School. Through her hard work and determination, she later earned a place at Three Rivers Academy.

However, arriving at a safe school did not immediately take away the effects of Sandrine's past. When she first joined Three Rivers, she was still living with the trauma of her childhood experiences. She found it difficult to settle in, trust others and form positive relationships with her fellow students.

Change came gradually, through the steady care of teachers and the friendship of classmates who welcomed and supported her. As Sandrine began to understand that she was a valued member of the Three Rivers family, she started to feel safe. In that environment of patience, compassion and belonging, she found the freedom to heal and grow.

Today, Sandrine is flourishing. She works hard in her studies, takes part in Model United Nations and Scouts, and has formed strong relationships with both students and teachers. She has also discovered a remarkable musical gift. Singing has given her another way to express herself, share her joy and contribute to the life of the school.

Most importantly, Sandrine no longer sees herself only through the circumstances she has survived. She has found confidence, purpose and a renewed sense of identity.

In her own words

Being at Three Rivers has been a blessing to me. It has enabled me to overcome my fears and grow closer to God. It has also enabled me to identify my music talent. Furthermore, Three Rivers Academy has made me feel safe and cured my wounds. I have discovered who I really am and built my self-esteem and confidence. I no longer feel like a poor refugee girl. I am a child of God with infinite wisdom and ability. Thank you for giving me a home and identity.

Sandrine's story shows what can happen when a young person is surrounded by safety, opportunity and people who believe in them. Education has given her the chance to learn and prepare for the future, but Three Rivers Academy has given her something equally precious: a community in which she feels known, valued and at home.

The voice now heard during Sunday services is more than a musical gift. It is the voice of a young woman who has discovered her strength, recognised her potential and begun to look towards her future with hope.