The South Sudanese refugee helping others through trauma — Global Issues

Ms. Tiep lives and works in Omugo II, an extension of Rhino Camp Refugee Settlement, which is residence to 43,000 refugees from South Sudan. 

After receiving counselling from the Highlight Initiative, a UN-EU partnership, she grew to become a volunteer psychosocial assist assistant with an NGO in Uganda, serving to different girls and kids go away and get better from violent conditions.

“Two issues led me to flee South Sudan: the struggle and my abusive husband. I used to be residing in Yei, South Sudan, working for a corporation that dealt with instances of violence towards girls.

Life was advantageous, I had cash and a spot to remain. I used to be even in a position to purchase a automotive from my earnings. Nevertheless, I now know that even if in case you have assets, if in case you have stress in your thoughts, you’ll be able to go mad.
My husband used to beat me. He was a soldier and would threaten to shoot me. Generally, I’d sleep within the bush. He felt that the youngsters favoured me, and he would get offended about that, however youngsters know love and that’s why they favoured me. I made a decision to go away him.

I fled in August 2017 and arrived in Uganda 4 days later, after a painful journey with my 5 youngsters. I used to be unable to hold meals; as a result of the youngsters have been so younger, I needed to carry them. We walked utilizing aspect roads as a result of driving on the principle highway would get us killed by the rebels. The rebels needed to seize me as their spouse as they knew I had cash.

As soon as we reached the border, we have been met by the UN who helped switch us to the settlement

Adjusting to a brand new life and challenges

After I first arrived at Omugu II, I needed to die. I used to be lonely, I’d isolate myself and pity myself. In South Sudan, I used to be doing nicely.

As refugees, we expertise discrimination. Generally, the host neighborhood will declare the land as theirs. [Within the settlement, every refugee household is allocated some land to plant food.] Even when they harass you, you’re not allowed to answer them, or they react violently. The host neighborhood are resentful that we’re utilizing their land, however this isn’t their land, that is God’s land. The host neighborhood speaks Lugbara, so we can’t talk.

Psychosocial counselling classes [with TPO Uganda, an implementing partner of UN Women] helped me loads. I can assist my youngsters now. Due to the psychosocial assist I obtained, I used to be in a position to be a greater mom.

Even when the counselling classes ended, I mobilized teams of ladies and we’d maintain discussions. I transferred the information I gained to the neighborhood – I continued the work that I left behind in South Sudan. I selected to enrol as a Volunteer Psychosocial Assistant (VPA) with TPO Uganda. 

With the arrogance I’ve gained, I now assist households that have violence and I make referrals to companions, police and to childcare, if the case requires it.

Paying it ahead

We give psychosocial assist to youngsters who’ve misplaced their dad and mom and I learnt how you can establish instances of gender-based violence. I often pose inquiries to the ladies, utilizing my very own life expertise for instance.

The volunteer coaching modified me, and I’m now acknowledged in the neighborhood. I’ve modified the lives of neighborhood members who’ve skilled violence and I used to be enrolled as a girls’s consultant within the Omugo neighborhood. I really feel assured and comfy in my work.

I want that my youngsters might have grown up elsewhere, and never in a settlement. I need to be sure that they study, go to high school and get jobs. At some point I can be previous, I need to put together them for the long run.”