“I share my story because I want people to know what the people in Shingal saw and that people suffered. I want people to know what ISIS did to our people there. All the people suffered there and the mental health was so bad.

Thank you for this program. This program is useful for peoples’ mental health. I thank God I’m good now. I’m feeling peace.” -Kuvan

Read everything Kuvan wants to share with you here.

This is a story about a Father and Son, their unique experiences fleeing their home, and their unique journey towards healing together.

Gilya’s story is one of love and strength- a journey from heartbreak to hope. After ISIS came, she had no safer alternatives but to get on a boat with her four young children. And after getting stranded and rescued, her struggles continued- widowed and displaced in a camp. But her strength carried her through, and after attending Tutapona’s program, she not only has courage but HOPE for her future and for her children.

She was held in captivity for 2 and a half years, sold as a ‘wife’ to an ISIS soldier. Her son developed a disability and when she finally escaped she felt like life was over. But then she discovered hope. Shana is a light to her son.

Raising a family in a refugee settlement is difficult. Not only do you face the challenges of poverty and unemployment, but you also face the emotional effects of leaving everything behind in your home country fleeing war and conflict. But Rachel now sees the challenges she has faced as an opportunity to build her future, grow stronger, and have hope.

When the war broke out, Geoffrey had to leave everything behind in his trek to safety. When he made it to Uganda, he had to start from nothing while his stress kept him awake at night and physically ill. But through Tutapona’s group program he was able to process his difficult experiences and rise out of the challenges he was facing. Now, even though he still faces difficulties in life, he is living happily, sleeping soundly, and choosing light over darkness.

The soldiers found her in her garden. It left her broken – in her heart and in her mind. She tried to end it all. But hope saved her life. Jeanin is a light to her husband and to her children.

ISIS circled around his village so that no one could escape. His family fled through crossfire to save their lives. No food, no water, and a week hiding in the mountains. But Tutapona taught him about forgiveness. Sami is a light in his family.

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.”

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.

Bizan

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.”