Celebrate International Women’s Day by attending Elevate Her: Empower, Inspire, Achieve with the International Rescue Committee and Operation Smile on March 7!
When Josefina was just two years old, her world was shattered by a horrific act of domestic violence. Her father fatally attacked her mother and was incarcerated, leaving Josefina and her older sister alone and traumatized—without the care or love of a parent. The sisters were taken in by their great-grandmother, a kind woman with limited means. Despite her best efforts, she couldn’t manage the demands of raising two young children. Fortunately, a social worker intervened and connected the family with SOS Children’s Villages in Namibia. Josefina and her sister moved into their new SOS home, and though the adjustment was difficult at first, they soon began to feel safe and supported. With the patient care of her SOS Mother and the familiar comfort of her sister, Josefina slowly came out of her shell. She started to trust again and found joy in everyday moments—attending school, playing outside, and enjoying...