Melissa fled violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo after losing loved ones and experiencing unimaginable trauma. Even after reaching safety in Uganda, she struggled with fear, anger, and sleepless nights. Through Tutapona's GROW program, she discovered the power of forgiveness, began rebuilding her life, and found a freedom she never thought possible.

Rano felt like she had lost happiness. She began to feel angry with herself, failed her classes, and isolated herself from others. After discovering the power of kindness, she found what she had lost - happiness. Rano is a hero!

Her entire life had been overshadowed by displacement, fear, and loss. Eventually, that same darkness began to take over her thoughts. But through what she learned in the GROW program, and the community she found, Randa now feel like a new person! Read her inspirational story here.

Zakia felt afraid and hopeless after leaving her home, being unable to provide well for her children, and then having her son lost is mobility in a tragic accident. BUT she was able to overcome her sadness, move forward, and take steps towards hope. Zakia is an inspiration to her family, and us all!

Samuel is a refugee from Congo, who, after participating in the GROW program as a new arrival, found hope and inspiration from what he learned. He began translating the programs, and is now our GROW facilitator in Nakivale, bringing hope and emotional healing to his fellow Congolese refugees.

Caleb had pain is his heart after the death of his father, and then fleeing to Uganda. He often cried when he was alone, and fought with others. After attending the Heroes Journey, he realized that to overcome obstacles, you need others! Caleb is a hero!

Yana lived in fear - fear of the war, for those fighting on the front lines, and for what could happen to her children. After attending GROW, she realized she is not alone, and found support in others. Now she is focusing on being strong for her family!

Bahar had so much anger inside her heart, she began to fight with everyone, and ended up isolated from her peers and community. After attending the Heroes Journey, she learned about kindness, and how to forgive, and is now thriving in her home, school, and with her peers!

Keyaan and Aza have been through so much in their young lives, and are now living with their aunt in an internally displaced people's camp in Kurdistan. After attending the Heroes Journey, they are working hard, holding on to hope, and believing that things will change in their futures!

Simco ran to safety when ISIS attacked his village. When his father heard what was happening, he tried to go and save them but was killed in the process. Simco felt a lot of shame and loneliness, but after participating in the Heroes Journey, he has found ways to combat shame and overcome what he has faced! Simco is a hero!

Divna felt scared and overwhelmed by all the uncertainty surrounding her. She couldn’t even imagine a normal life anymore, and was trapped in her own thoughts of what might come next. But After attending the GROW program, Divna has realized how important hope is!

Daryna felt lost in a new city and surroundings after fleeing conflict in her hometown in Ukraine. To make things even harder, she became a first time mother during this period as well. But after attending the GROW program, she feels resilient, and is motivated to work for a future for her family!

Rawan felt ashamed at returning to school after missing several years as he was older than all his peers. He stuggled with feeling angry and defeated. But after attending the GROW program, he is motivated to work for a future for himself and his family, and has learned how to have authentic hope!

Judi had feelings of worthlessness, and even contemplated suicide, until her she heard about Tutapona’s one-on-one support through her children attending the Heroes Journey. She found the strength to continue, and now finds joy in being with her family!

Jamilla felt alone with no where to turn after fleeing from Syria, and losing two of her children. Then one day, Tutapona staff came to visit her in her tent, and invited her to attend a GROW program. She learned about forgiveness, and how that forgiveness can set her free! Now, she feels lighter, happier, and closer to God.

Aliyah felt like she had failed her family when she was unable to provide for them after arriving in Uganda. She began isolating herself, and considered ending her life. After attending Tutapona’s GROW program, she has learned ways to cope with her emotions, and has built a community of people she trusts and can talk to.

Revin felt alone, and she didn’t know how to deal with the emotions she was facing. After attending the Heroes Journey, she learned the power of belief, and now she knows the God is always with her, no matter what she is facing! Revin is a hero!

Zerin grew up in the settlement after her family ran for their lives when she was just a baby, but her family continued to suffer while living with her abusive father. Even after he left, they continued to fear, and combat shame. But after attending the Heroes Journey, she learned the power of gratitude, and how it can change her entire life! Zerin is a hero!

Bol came to Uganda alone with his two younger siblings when he was 5 years old, and was responsible for caring for them. He missed his mother, who had to stay behind so much. After participating in the Heroes Journey, Bol has started working towards goals, and learning to be grateful for everything in his life. Bol is a hero!

Jowan started feel afraid and ashamed at a young age. After participating in the Heroes Journey program, he is now excited about life everyday! Jowan is a hero!