Your future lies in your studying, so you must study very hard. Monicas children probably tire of hearing these words from their mother, but she sees it as the most important lesson she can give them. For her, the option for continued education was never there. Taken from her family at 12 years old, she was forced to carry food and supplies for the rebels. At age 14 she was given as a prize to a soldier who got her pregnant. Monica fought alongside the rebels until she was able to escape with her child.
Back at home, freedom carried with it its own set of challenges, and Monica was soon faced with the task of providing for members of her family. Since finding a job with MEND, she has experienced joys previously abandoned as unachievable. Working as a tailor enables her to pay for her four childrens school fees, and she couldnt be happier.