Jeneba Wanjah was born in the month of December, amidst the conflict in war-torn Sierra Leone. Jeneba was just a baby when her father was killed during the war. She and her family lived in a refugee camp in Sierra Leone, but life in the refugee camp was very difficult. Most of the time, food shortage and medical supplies were the major issues at the camp. Jeneba witnessed people dying because they could not have access to medical care; there was no such thing as Medicaid, or Medicare. She came to the United States at the age of ten with her mother and cousin. After seeking refuge in the United States with family, life here did not provide the asylum she expected
At the age of 11, she was removed from her Mother’s care after enduring physical, verbal, and emotional abuse. In 2008, Jeneba requested to return to her mother so they could create a strong bond, but unfortunately, things did not work out as she had hoped. For the six years that followed, Jeneba was in and out of foster care and homeless shelters. Jeneba was constantly a victim of bullying by her school mates, and made fun of because of her accent. High School years became chaotic in Jeneba’s life, because of moving back and forth from one foster home to another, and as a result, she was unable to develop close relationships with friends
Jeneba Wanjah was introduced to the McCarthy family on May 4th 20012 after being told that she was not going to attend he senior prom because she could not provide what was needed for this special and most memorable day in a teenager’s life. The McCarthy family was very moved by Jeneba’s story, made her prom night possible and memorable, and also welcomed her into their family
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