When Noongwapi* first came to Eripoto in 2021, she was a quiet 17-year-old carrying a great deal of fear and uncertainty about her future.

She had experienced circumstances that made it difficult for her to imagine what her life could become.

Eripoto’s dedicated team gave her a safe home, food, emotional support, and opportunities to learn practical and business skills. They also promised to support her ongoing education. 

As her needs were consistently met, she began believing in her own abilities again and grew in confidence. She became more open, determined, and able to speak about her hopes for the future. 

Since she was young, Noongwapi had dreamt of becoming a doctor. She held onto that dream even during the most difficult seasons of her life.

When she began her advanced studies, Eripoto continued supporting her education by covering her school fees and providing what she needed to complete her training. They wanted her to have the opportunity to finish what she had begun and pursue the profession she had always dreamed about. 

With continued support, she completed her diploma in Clinical Medicine in three years and is preparing to start her degree in General Medicine (MD) this year.

It will take about five years for her to earn her General Medicine degree, and Eripoto - with help from friends like you - will continue to support and house her during that time.

Noongwapi is now 22 years old and has grown into a young woman who is passionate about helping others. She loves preaching, encouraging and talking with other girls, and sharing what she has learned from her own journey.

She is also very focused and committed to her medical work. Today, she volunteers at a city hospital, where she serves and helps hundreds of people.

For the Eripoto team, seeing Noongwapi use her own hands and knowledge to care for others is a powerful part of her story. The young girl who once arrived frightened and uncertain about her future now has the opportunity to bring healing and hope to other people.

She shares, “Eripoto gave me a safe home when my future was dark. They gave me hope and education, and now I can heal others with my own hands.”

*Noongwapi's original name has been changed to protect her. 

Support young women like Noongwapi