Randa grew up as one of seven children in a family that experienced repeated displacement and hardship long before the war in Syria. At just five years old, Randa and her younger brother were separated from their parents and sent to live with their grandmother. She began school and dreamed of becoming a psychiatrist so she could help others facing hardship like her own.
However, poverty and family responsibilities soon interrupted her education. When her grandmother became seriously ill, Randa left school to care for her and work to support the family.
As the conflict in Syria escalated in 2013, daily life became increasingly dangerous - particularly for young women. She describes living in fear as girls in her area were kidnapped and ransomed. In 2015, her family narrowly escaped an ISIS ambush.
Eventually, their family fled to Iraq. During this period, Randa experienced two difficult marriages that ended in divorce. She later joined her family in Domiz Camp, where both of her parents now live with serious health conditions requiring ongoing care. By this point, Randa felt overwhelmed by grief, responsibility, and loss.
“Before attending the GROW program, I felt hopeless. Life was dark for me. I felt under constant pressure and believed there was nothing I could do to change my life. My thoughts were dark, and I felt broken.”
Randa joined Tutapona’s GROW program during a season when she felt emotionally exhausted and without direction. Through the group sessions, she began to experience a shift in how she saw herself and her future.
“After joining GROW, I felt like someone who had been in darkness and suddenly saw a light. I began to feel hope again. I started setting goals and noticed real changes in myself.”
Several sessions had a particularly strong impact on Randa, including those focused on trust, gratitude, courage, and belief. She shared that learning to practice gratitude helped her realise she was not alone and still had meaningful things to be thankful for. The session reflecting on the story of Joseph resonated deeply, reminding her that faith and hope can carry a person through even the most difficult seasons.
“The courage session helped me stand up again and not give up. I felt like a child returning to school - learning, growing, and becoming stronger.”
Today, Randa speaks about learning to value herself, and faces life with renewed confidence. While her circumstances remain challenging, she describes a profound internal change.
“I am learning to love myself more. I have hope again. These lessons helped me find hope and trust.”
Because of the generosity of people like you, women like Randa can care for themselves and their families, and have hope for their futures. BUT there are thousands of people with stories that are yet to end with hope. Walk with Tutapona to provide emotional healing by donating today.