Arlo Parks Instagram – Over the next two days I’ll be sharing the stories of two inspiring young women I met in Sierra Leone on my first trip with @unicef_uk. Ruth and Samesther are such luminous people, their resilience and dedication to community building and bringing hope to those in desperate situations inspired me to want to be better and do more. I am so proud to be able to share their stories and humbled by the trust that I have been given.
After losing her own parents at 7 years old, Ruth became a mother herself whilst she was still a teenager. She told me how she struggled without the support of her parents, and searched for peace in her own head.
Ruth now runs support groups for young women like her – creating safe spaces for teenage mums to share experiences, advice and love. She has dedicated herself to compassion, to opening up conversations around trauma, uplifting girls and encouraging them to build the life they each deserve.
Ruth’s passion for change is infectious and is at the centre of it all. She is a UNICEF Sierra Leone Youth Advocate, and UNICEF have helped her hone the skills to run these groups and expand her work even further.
I’m thinking of her on this World Mental Health Day – she truly is a light beam and this experience changed my life. I spoke to @service95 about my time in Sierra Leone – you can read more tomorrow. | Posted on 10/Oct/2024 22:30:00
