BEATRICE AKELLO
Beatrice was captured at age nine while walking home from school. By the time she was thirteen, she had been given to two different commanders as a wife and had given birth to her daughter Mercy. She was planning an escape in 2001 but was turned in. For that she was beaten so severely she could not move for a week. Her second attempt was successful.Beatrice was lucky enough to find a program that helped her get back into school. But staying there has not been easy. Money is very tight because she cannot work full-time. Her daughter was being beaten by her caregiver while Beatrice was in school. But the women in IGAP helped Mercy and encouraged Beatrice to continue in school. Now she is set to graduate from secondary school next year. If she can find the money, Beatrice is determined to go to university to become a teacher.
Beatrice is very clear about her priorities right now: Mercy and completing her education. She has no interest in getting married soon. “A man will only disorganize my life right now.”
