*Name and photo have been changed to protect identity.

Alice was just 13 years old when she became a survivor of Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children (OSAEC)—a harrowing experience that no child should ever endure. The trauma was compounded by the fact that her abusers were members of her own maternal family.

After her rescue, Alice was placed in a protective facility While she was physically safe, adjusting to her new reality was overwhelming. The emotional shock of being separated from her family and processing what had happened left her withdrawn and confused to the point that she rarely engaged in group activities and struggled to express herself. 

A psychological assessment revealed that the trauma had severely impacted Alice’s development. Though a teenager, her emotional and cognitive abilities were on the same level as a five year old. She had difficulty adjusting to change and following basic instructions. Yet amid all the pain, Alice clung to one hope that gave her resolve—she wanted to go to school.

In 2023, Alice was reintegrated with her non-offending family members and referred to World Hope International (WHI) for support. Through WHI’s Healing Home program, Alice and her family received assistance for their daily needs, education, and psychosocial care.

Eager to continue learning, Alice enrolled in an elementary school. But the challenges didn’t end there—she struggled to keep up with her peers. Teachers recommended she transfer to a special education class that was better suited to her learning pace. A further assessment facilitated by WHI at the Philippine General Hospital diagnosed Alice with a learning disorder that affected her ability to read and do basic math. However, she also demonstrated a strong grasp of life skills and independence. 

With this new understanding, WHI tailored its support to fit Alice’s needs. She began attending twice-weekly tutorial sessions designed to reinforce her lessons and build her academic confidence.  

Gradually, Alice began to thrive

Her confidence grew with each small win—completing homework, arriving to class on time, participating more fully in school life. Through determination and the steady encouragement of her family and WHI staff, Alice was promoted to the next grade level. In the 2024–2025 school year, she proudly graduated from Grade 6. 

Her mother shared the family’s gratitude: 

“She is now able to read even without a tutor. She also knows how to do many tasks at home. She is happy with all the help you have given her. Thank you so much to all of you.” 

Alice’s story is still unfolding. But with every lesson learned and every barrier overcome, she is rediscovering her voice, her agency, and her right to a safe and hopeful future.