Meet Elizabeth: A Story of Hope

Elizabeth, a mother of four children and pregnant with her fifth, fled South Sudan in the midst of its Civil War, and made her way to the Rhino Camp Refugee Settlement in Arua, Uganda in 2022.

Like many women in South Sudan, she was forced to flee from her home after the tragic death of her husband that left her and her children in imminent danger.

Elizabeth saw and endured many unspeakable hardships, leaving her demoralized and not wanting to live. She says that prayer and faith in God gave her the determination to protect her children and carry on as she made her way to the Ugandan border.

After registering as a refugee in the settlement, Elizabeth was sent to live in the Omugo 6 region (one of the 7 regions in the Rhino Settlement). There she faced the daunting challenge of building a shelter for her family. Unable to do that herself, the community joined together and built a typical mud brick home with thatched roof for her family to live in. This act of kindness gave Elizabeth a sense of safety and community.

Now that she had shelter, she knew the next thing she desperately needed was food for her family. Elizabeth sought employment at New Life Early Childhood Development (ECD), a nearby preschool constructed by World Vision and financially supported by Khayamandi Foundation. Employment here would give her a glimmer of hope and empowerment to provide for her children.

Her role as a toilet monitor may seem modest, but it holds so much significance. By ensuring a safe and clean environment for the young children, Elizabeth not only contributes to the well-being of the students but also gains a sense of dignity and purpose.

Elizabeth’s story begins with tragedy. But because of her resilience and her unwavering faith in God she now has a glimmer of hope for the future.