Thriving Through Trials

As the sun sets over Dzaleka refugee camp, a place that holds the echoes of my past, I reflect on the ongoing challenges my fellow refugees face. The overcrowded and dilapidated houses are a constant reminder of the urgent need for change. Today, as I left our office just outside the camp, I felt the fatigue of the day’s stress. The weight of addressing human rights abuses and discrimination, often in the face of government hostility, can be exhausting.

On this particular day, a coincidental encounter with four women walking back to the camp changed my perspective. These women are beneficiaries of Ubuntu, a Brazilian-led Organisation that creates employment opportunities for refugees. I stopped and offered them a lift, which was enough to create an intimate space for their stories to unfold. One 55-year-old woman spoke of being abandoned by her husband and left to look after nine children. The impact of her work at Ubuntu is immeasurable, bringing stability to her life and maintaining her mental wellbeing.

In the midst of these heartfelt stories, I introduced myself and unexpectedly became the guest of honour. The women recognised my name and expressed their joy and gratitude for my work. Their sincere prayers for the success of my endeavours, coupled with their surprise, infused me with an incomparable energy.

Reflecting on this experience, however, I couldn’t help but question the complexity of doing good in a world that often creates systems to keep others down. Why should choosing the path of kindness be a celebrated exception rather than the norm? My encounter highlights the urgent need for humanity to evolve, to break free from patterns that hinder progress, and to make a collective commitment to uplifting one another.

As I continue my journey, I am grateful for these unexpected moments of encouragement, for they serve as a poignant reminder that the pursuit of positive change is not a solitary endeavour. It is a shared responsibility, a collective journey towards a better future for all, especially on this day when the energy gained fuels my commitment to the cause.