Interview with Mariam: A Story of Strength, Survival, and Hope
At St. Magdalen Institute, we’re committed to giving a voice to women whose stories need to be heard, stories of resilience, courage, and transformation. In this interview, we speak with Abdulsalam Mariam, a young mother who shares her journey through hardship and her dreams for a better future.
Interviewer:
Good afternoon, Ma. How are you today?
Mariam:
I’m fine, thank you.
Interviewer:
Great. Please, can you introduce yourself?
Mariam:
My name is Abdulsalam Mariam.
Interviewer:
Thank you, Mariam. Can you share your story with us—how everything started?
Mariam:
I got pregnant at the age of 20. I met my husband on Facebook. After we met physically, I became pregnant. Since he didn’t have money, he took me to stay with his parents. I lived there with my child for three years.
But along the line, problems started. I was being maltreated, so I left with my child. Since then, he hasn’t asked after us or taken any responsibility. Things became really hard, and I had to take my child to my mother so I could go out and hustle. I’ve been struggling ever since.
Interviewer:
So sorry to hear that. That must have been very difficult for you. Are you interested in going back to school?
Mariam:
Yes, I’ll be very, very happy to go back.
Interviewer:
That’s good to hear. Why would you like to return to school?
Mariam:
Because I want a better future for myself.
Interviewer:
Beautiful. What did you want to study?
Mariam:
Accounting.
Interviewer:
Wow, that’s great. If given the opportunity to learn a skill or undergo training, would you be interested?
Mariam:
Yes, I would love that.
Interviewer:
What level of education did you complete before now?
Mariam:
I finished SS3.
Interviewer:
Why didn’t you return to school after childbirth?
Mariam:
There was nobody to sponsor me.
Interviewer:
Understood. What plans do you have for your son?
Mariam:
I want the best for him.
Interviewer:
By God’s grace, He will help you. Here at St. Magdalen Institute, we exist to bring hope to people. And by the special grace of God, we will do our best to help you. Please don’t lose hope or give up.
Mariam:
Thank you so much. My thanks go to St. Magdalen Institute.
Interviewer:
Thank you very much for your time, Mariam.
Conclusion:
Mariam’s story is one of strength in the face of adversity. Like many women we support, she is determined to rise above her circumstances. At St. Magdalen Institute, we believe in second chances and walking with women like Mariam as they rebuild their lives.
If you’d like to partner with us or support women like Mariam, please contact us. Together, we can be the hope someone is praying for.
