Wasi Project: a second home for Estrella
Estrella, a fictitious name, is a 29-year-old Peruvian woman who has found the Wasi Project to be a crucial support in rebuilding her life. Her story is marked by profound difficulties and extraordinary fortitude.
Four years ago, when she was 25 years old, Estrella arrived at the Wasi Project three months pregnant. She had fled Peru because of a serious family violence situation that forced her to leave her country to seek a new life in Italy. However, her arrival in Italy in 2020 coincided with the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, which further aggravated her psychological fragility. At that time, Estrella was living with a distant relative and had no job. In addition, she had entered into a toxic relationship with a compatriot slightly older than her, who treated her badly and did not give her the respect and affection she needed.
When she found out that she was pregnant, her partner clearly told her that he did not want the baby and would not take care of her or her incoming child. This rejection triggered a severe depressive crisis in Estrella, adding the pain of her past to the new difficulties she was experiencing.
Through the intervention of a friend of her aunt, Estrella learned about the Wasi project. When she arrived there, she was four months pregnant and in a very vulnerable condition. She was immediately taken in and followed by a native Spanish-speaking psychologist who embarked on a long journey of support with her. Although the project usually provides 12 sessions of psychological accompaniment, Estrella’s case required a more extensive and ongoing intervention.
The support network activated by the Wasi project proved essential. Thanks to this collaboration, Estrella was able to regularize her position in Italy and receive assistance throughout her pregnancy. During the course of psychological support, it emerged that Estrella suffered from a severe form of bipolar depression, for which she was taken in charge by the territorial psychiatric services, which still follow her.
The birth of her baby marked the beginning of a new journey for Estrella. Thanks to the Self Mutual Help group active within the Wasi project, Estrella was able to receive concrete support and share her experience with other Spanish-speaking mothers with children up to one year old. This space for listening and support has proven to be crucial in helping her find confidence in her role as a mother.
When her baby turned one, thanks to the project network, a position was found in a daycare center, allowing Estrella to enter the workforce. Today she works as an employee in a cleaning company and is building a new stability.
Estrella is definitely better, but she continues to participate in the Self Mutual Help groups and information moments organized by the Wasi project. This is also made possible by the babysitting service offered during the activities, which allows mothers to participate peacefully. Her little girl, who is now three years old, is a smiling, happy and peaceful child.
Despite some difficult moments, especially related to the absence of her daughter’s father, Estrella has found in the Wasi project a true “second home,” a place that has restored her hope and the strength to look forward to the future with confidence.
