Rano

My name is Rano. I grew up in an IDP camp, and I also started school here. I am the only girl in my family.

I used to think more about sadness than happiness because my mother is sick. I worried about her all the time, and it affected me at school. I wasn’t excited to study, and I failed my classes. I wanted to be alone, and sometimes I was angry with myself.

I never shared my feelings with anyone, so it always felt like I was carrying something heavy inside me.

When I joined the Heroes Journey program, I began to understand how strong emotions can affect us. I realized that when I keep everything inside, the feelings only become heavier. I learned that talking to someone when I don’t feel okay helps me before everything builds up inside. Before the program, I had forgotten how to be grateful. Heroes Journey helped me see the good things I still have, like my family and that my mother is still with me. That helped me feel happier.

I have always said that I want to become a doctor. The lesson on hope taught me to keep believing in that dream and to keep working toward it until I achieve it. When I started practicing kindness, I found something I hadn’t felt for a long time - I found happiness.

Because of the generosity of people like you, children like Rano have found strength in themselves and within their communities to overcome what they are facing. BUT there are thousands of people with stories that are yet to end with hope. Help Tutapona provide emotional healing by donating today.

*Name has been changed to protect the individual and family.