An Expression of Gratitude
We are deeply grateful for the continued support of those who have generously donated to help displaced families during these challenging times. Your contributions have brought much-needed relief to people like the 17-year-old refugee whose story you’ll read below. Forced to flee his home with his family due to conflict, he has faced immense challenges, from missing out on his education to helping his family survive in a refugee camp. In his words, the donations of clothes, umbrellas, and medicine provided a glimmer of hope in their darkest moments. As you read his heartfelt account, we thank you for being a part of that hope and for making a real difference in the lives of those who need it most.
“I'm 17 years old, and my life has been a whirlwind of changes and challenges. Before the coup, I couldn't attend school due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The coup then upended everything even more. My family and I had to flee, and we ended up in this refugee camp. I'm the middle child among my siblings, caught between the innocence of youth and the responsibilities of adulthood.
When we arrived at the camp, I felt lost and overwhelmed. Everything was unfamiliar, and our future seemed uncertain. I couldn't continue my education, and the dreams I once had seemed to slip further away each day. The camp was a place of safety, but it also felt like a prison of limitations.
Despite these hardships, I tried to find ways to support my family. I helped my parents with daily chores, took care of my younger siblings, and tried to maintain a sense of normalcy amidst the chaos. Life in the camp was tough, with limited resources and opportunities, but we made the best of it.
One day, something extraordinary happened. We received a donation of clothes, umbrellas, and medicine. It felt like a lifeline thrown to us in the midst of a storm. The joy on my younger siblings' faces when they received new clothes and umbrellas was priceless. For the first time in a long while, there was a glimmer of hope in our lives.
This act of kindness reminded me that we are not alone. There are people out there who care about us, who want to help. It renewed my determination to keep going, to find ways to educate myself and support my family.
I am grateful for the generosity that has touched our lives. It has given me hope and strength to keep pushing forward, even in the face of adversity. I believe that one day, we will overcome these challenges and build a better future for ourselves.”