Thriving Through Trials

Inspiring Resilience and Building Hope

Moving Mountains with a Hammer

In the story of human determination, Dashrath Manjhi, also known as the Mountain Man, is a legend. After tragedy struck and his wife couldn’t reach a hospital 55 kilometres away, Dashrath dedicated 22 years to a seemingly impossible task. Armed with a humble hammer and chisel, he carved a road through a mountain, reducing the journey to 15 kilometres.

Dashrath’s story is a testament to the power of unwavering determination. Despite ridicule, he turned a daunting journey into a manageable path, demonstrating the transformative power of even humble tools.

In the complicated world of global affairs, wars fuelled by superpower and corporations exploit regions like Africa. Disguised as benefactors, they inflict wounds while branding themselves as saviours. The burning question remains: When will humanity stop threatening itself?

In the midst of this complexity, a powerful resolve emerges – not necessarily to change the course of the entire world, but to harness empathy in our immediate surroundings. Believing in the illuminating power of a single candle in the dark, the call is for a shift in focus. While the monumental scale of global change may seem elusive, the ability to shape the true nature of humanity remains firmly within our reach if we persist in doing good. Every human being has a ‘hammer’ and a ‘chisel’, and we must not wait for others to do good; we must use what we have. Dashrath’s legacy, intertwined with these global narratives, encourages us to build paths of compassion, one strike at a time, and to redefine the human narrative of kindness on a global scale.

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Innocent Magambi

I was born a refugee in the Democratic Republic of Congo to Burundian parents, my first 27 years were spent navigating the challenges of five different refugee camps, forging an indomitable spirit and deep empathy. The pivotal moment came when the opportunity for a university education presented itself, leading me to found There is Hope. For 15 years, I led this non-profit organisation with a visionary approach to impact thousands of people through education, vocational training and job creation. As a refugee rights advocate and CEO of Inua Advocacy, a human rights organisation fighting for the dignity of refugees in Malawi, my commitment is both professional and deeply personal. My book, Refugee For Life, not only recounts my personal journey as a refugee, but also highlights the transformative power of individual action for entire communities. From surviving as a refugee to shaping the destinies of others, I stand as a beacon of empathy and adaptability. I have been privileged to be interviewed by respected outlets such as Voice of America, BBC World Service and The Guardian. Beyond the media, I share my insights in a variety of forums, including churches, charities, schools and prestigious institutions such as Oxford University. As an Obama Fellow and participant in respected fellowships, my life’s journey reflects the profound impact one person, driven by a compassionate vision, can have on the lives of many.

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