Stories of Survival and Resilience
"Little Bird"​
LISTEN
A SEMA production featuring Katumu
KATUMU McCAULEY
Rosana watched with pride as Katumu, invited by the Dr. Denis Mukwege Foundation, stepped onto a stage in Geneva. Before a distinguished audience, she shared her story of survival—the innocence stolen at nine, the years spent in violence, and the long road to healing. During her visit, she joined other survivors worldwide in singing "Little Bird," a song written and recorded by SEMA members.
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Child Soldier to Trusted Companion
When Rosana met Katumu in 2003, she saw only a hardened former combatant. At just nine, Katumu had wielded a rifle and risen to commander in one of Liberia’s most feared rebel groups. Believing the most shattered souls could be restored, Rosana and her colleagues invited her to join THINK's pilot rehabilitation program for women affected by war. After considerable convincing, Katumu agreed to participate.
During the nine-month rehabilitation program, Katumu confronted her past, learned to trust, and sought forgiveness from both perpetrators and victims, being among the first to publicly apologize for her role in the Liberian Civil War.
Eventually, Katumu transformed from a survivor into a loyal protector as her mentor's security chief. Her strength and purpose never wavered.​​​ As a rapper on SEMA’s “Little Bird,” she used her voice to share messages of hope and resilience.
​​​​​Remembering Katumu
Katumu's sudden passing in December 2024 left a deep void in our hearts. Still, her strength, transformation, and grace embody THINK’s mission of empowering women and girls, especially those facing vulnerable circumstances.
Naomi Sulu
(1) Naomi at THINK graduation, 2016
(2) High school graduation, 2024​​​
~ By Rosana Schaack
On Easter morning, 2015, while I prepared to leave for church, I received a call from the One Stop Center at the Redemption Hospital. The nurse’s voice on the line sounded urgent. “We have a young survivor who just came in. She's scared. We need to move her somewhere safe. Can you take her to your shelter?"
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I assured the nurse I would be on my way. At the hospital, a frightened twelve-year-old girl sat alone on a bench. Her anxious eyes met mine as I introduced myself, placed a reassuring arm around her, and told her she was safe. I apologized for what she had endured and explained that I would take her to a safe place with other girls and with caregivers who would help her heal.
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After several months of receiving counseling and care at the THINK Safe Home, Naomi transitioned to the THINK Rehabilitation Home. There, she quickly progressed to Level Two in the Accelerated Learning Program—the introductory literacy class—and found herself drawn to pastry and food preservation in vocational training. These skills gave her a sense of control over her life, something she had never experienced before.
After nine months of training, she graduated, and I welcomed her into my home, offering stability as she continued her studies.​
In November 2024, she proudly walked across the stage to receive her high school diploma. Now, with the same determination that carried her through the past years, she dreams of studying accounting and economics in college.
