In Kono District, eastern Sierra Leone, a young mother named Finda Yaba was working hard to build a better future for herself and her child. Like many women across the country, she balanced her education with petty trading, determined to create opportunities from limited means.

Then, one night, everything changed. While returning home, Finda was abducted by unknown men. They blindfolded her, bound her hands and feet, injected her with an unknown substance, and abandoned her by the roadside. When she was found the following morning, she could no longer speak. She communicated only through gestures and written notes.

The trauma had taken more than her sense of safety. It had taken her voice. Finda dropped out of school and withdrew from her community. Once active and ambitious, she retreated into silence, struggling to navigate the devastating impact of what had happened.

When she came to the attention of Rainbo Initiative’s Kono Centre, an immediate survivor-centred response was put in place. She received emergency psychosocial support, comprehensive medical care, and assistance with police reporting to ensure her case was properly documented and her rights protected.

But crisis intervention was only the beginning. Recognizing that healing takes time, Rainbo counsellors provided ongoing psychosocial support through regular home visits, monitoring her well-being, assessing her safety, and accompanying her throughout her recovery journey.

As her condition gradually improved, Finda joined group counselling sessions at the Rainbo Centre and later became a member of the Survivor Solidarity Group, a safe and supportive space where survivors encourage one another, rebuild confidence, and find strength through shared experiences.

It was there that something remarkable began to happen. The young woman who had arrived communicating only through gestures slowly started speaking again. At first, her words came cautiously. Then, with growing confidence, she began participating in discussions, expressing her thoughts, and reconnecting with those around her.

Her emotional well-being improved. Her confidence returned. Little by little, she reclaimed her voice. For Rainbo Initiative, recovery is about more than healing from trauma. It is also about restoring dignity, independence, and the ability to build a sustainable future.

Through the Economic and Vocational Empowerment and Training (EVET) Project, Finda was enrolled in a two-year professional catering programme at the Konomusu Skill Training Centre in Kono District.

There, she discovered much more than technical skills. She found purpose, structure, and renewed belief in her own potential. According to instructors, Finda quickly distinguished herself as an active, committed, and enthusiastic learner. Her dedication reflected the profound transformation taking place, not through a quick intervention, but through consistent, holistic support that addressed both her emotional and economic recovery.

One moment, however, stands out as a powerful symbol of how far she had come. As part of her practical training, Finda catered at a public event serving more than 500 people. The woman who had once withdrawn completely from public life stood confidently before a crowd, showcasing her skills and contributing meaningfully to her community.

It was more than a catering assignment. It was a declaration of resilience. A statement that she was still here, still capable, and far more than the violence she had endured.

Reflecting on her journey, Finda says: “I appreciate Rainbo Initiative for the support I received through the EVET training opportunity. I wonder how my life would have been without Rainbo Initiative.”

“I am now empowered and able to take care of myself and my family without depending on anyone.”

In May 2026, Finda graduated from the two-year catering programme with a recognised certificate, marking a significant milestone in her journey toward independence and self-reliance.

Today, she hopes to secure an attachment opportunity with an established catering centre to further strengthen her skills and expand her opportunities for employment and entrepreneurship.

Beyond her personal achievements, Finda’s story serves as a source of inspiration for other women and girls facing trauma, violence, and stigma. Her journey demonstrates that healing is possible, that recovery takes many forms, and that with the right support, survivors can rebuild their lives and thrive.

Her experience reflects the power of integrated, survivor-centred care, where psychosocial support, community solidarity, healthcare, and economic empowerment work together to create lasting change.

At Rainbo Initiative, we believe that healing, safety, dignity, and opportunity are not distant ideals. They are achievable outcomes, built through consistent care, trusted relationships, and meaningful opportunities.

Finda came to us unable to speak. Today, she is a graduate, an entrepreneur in the making, a provider for her family, and a beacon of hope for others.