Maria is like a lot of nine-year-olds- she is excited to turn ten soon, she loves school, and has dreams about her future. Because of Covid, her school has shut down and her life has changed, but Heroes Journey is helping her through it. “In the Heroes Journey program I have learned about kindness; not just being kind to others, but also being kind to myself. When I speak to other children now, I want to tell them to have faith and hope, and to believe for good.” Read more about what she has to say!
When Jalil found himself living displaced in a camp, he was overcome with anxiety. He had dreams of finishing school and making a life for himself- this was not part of the plan. But after coming to Tutapona, he regained the strength to continue his life. Now he wants to use his education and experiences to help others the way Tutapona has helped him!
When ISIS surrounded them for capture, Mende clutched her eight-day old baby to her chest, acting as a shield from the gunfire all around her. Mende’s story is one of heartbreak and loss, and also courage, healing, and hope as she overcame all the obstacles that war, displacement, and inequality brought before her. Read this amazing woman’s testimony here.
She was only 9 years old the day that ISIS came. Her harrowing journey to safety included a mountainous trek across deadly terrain, leaving her broken and plagued with negative thoughts. But then she heard about Tutapona and learned to think in a positive way. Hana is a light to other children in Kurdistan.
Tara has many responsibilities in her life, but when ISIS came, life became even more complicated. But now, her strength and courage shine bright in the lives of those around her. “I didn’t go to school, I didn’t learn how to read or write but I can still do many things. Each one of us has a destiny. God gives us special things. This is what God has given me.”
“When I arrived here I was relieved, but at night I couldn’t sleep - my mind was full of so many thoughts. Even during the day, I would just sit there, feeling miserable. BUT, God is good. My mother was told about Tutapona and the HEROES JOURNEY and when I found out that I was coming here I was very happy. I’ve learned about the power of courage, and of hope.” Read this young girl’s story of courage and hope HERE!
Amjad was just 14 when he left home. His family didn’t have time to pack their things, but when they heard the sound of gunshots and explosions as they left, he knew he would not be able to return home. But Amjad has hope after attending GROW. Now he wants to finish school to work helping others the way Tutapona has helped him.
He saw ISIS face to face and survived. Rescued by the Peshmerga, he fled to an IDP camp, feeling the depth of his loss. Tutapona taught him that he didn’t need to be stuck where he was. Now, he is studying to be a teacher to bring hope to others.
“I hope to be a teacher and help people and this nation the way that I have been helped by Tutapona.”
“I was going to school before Corona, I was in primary grade 4. The school was good, but Corona is bad, it has stopped us from getting an education. My family feels bad because all of us are at home and can't go to school. I don't like being at home because it means I miss out on getting an education. I want to be a doctor, but I need to first be able to go to school.”
For many children like Micah, school isn’t a given - a COVID is making their future goals difficult! But, Micah is pressing on and using this time of school closure to learn more about hope.
Fabian has lived in Uganda as a refugee for the majority of his life. Now, at age 13 after attending GROW, he has learned the tools to cope with stress, forgive, and have hope to help him get through whatever difficulties life might present.
”I am feeling good after attending the program because it taught me to be able to forgive and work hard and get what we expect to have. That is hope.”
Alina shares her story about life as a child in a refugee settlement during the pandemic, in Uganda.
“My name is Alina,* and I really like the word ‘hero’. I even feel like I am a hero! A hero uses their strength to fight for good things, and I want to do the same. I have courage and hope, and I’ve had to use them in the past, especially when I came to Uganda from Congo in 2014…”
