Shifa’s Story

Shifa Namayanja grew up on Kibibi Island in a Muslim family. After her parents both died from AIDS, Shifah and her sister were raised by a grandmother. In an effort to support her grandmother and her sister, Shifah turned to prostitution.

Not only did Shifah suffer from the diseases and infections that accompany the streets–she contracted the HIV virus–she had to endure beatings from the police if she complained about a customer who refused to pay.

Shifah came to the WE International during a medical outreach on Kibibi Island. At age 16, Shifah joined the WE Restore Program and came to live at the WE Restore Home in Jinja, Uganda.

One night she tried to run away but another girl at the home literally held the door closed to prevent Shifah from getting out.

Not long after Shifah embraced life at the WE Restore Home. She became a Christian and worked hard at her hairdressing training, becoming the most accomplished of the hairdressing students.

Today, Shifah is a successful hairdresser supporting herself. Shifah also volunteers at the WE Restore Home, mentoring the teens and young women who have followed her to the Home.