From a refugee camp to a life in the States: Chantale's story shows us the unbreakable spirit of human beings and why is so important to invest in refugees
Interview by Maricla Pannocchia
On 20th June we celebrated World Refugee Day. I’m interviewing Chantale, a young woman who knows too well what being a refugee means.
Hi Chantale, first of all thanks for talking to me. A few days ago, on 20th June, we celebrated World Refugee Day but we can’t forget that many people still do not know who a refugee exactly is and that there are many misconceptions about them. Can you explain to people who refugees are and why they flee?
Dear Maricla, thank you for having me here today! It is an honor to have the privilege to spread awareness of the most vulnerable refugees. Well, refugees are ordinary people like you and l. The only distinction is that they have been through various circumstances that have come to define their lives events that they did not ask to be part of but were forced into and had no choice. They fled their home countries because of the battle that had put their lives in danger and had to seek for safety. Most refugees are prosecuted because of the color of their skin, political opinions, gender orientation, religion, war crimes, etc. It is difficult to leave a place they called home, a place they were born and raised. The only world that they ever have known. This is a painful decision for anyone, to abandon their houses, clothing, education, jobs, savings, etc. Leaving their loved ones behind like parents, uncle, children, husband, wife, and more. No one would ever wish for this to happen. Now they find themselves in a host country where people speak a language that they do not understand. Many of these refugees are young women who just became orphans and had lost their parents back home. Sadly they were also sexually abused and got pregnant. Now a child is looking after another child with the fear that one day this child will ask for her or his father. Some of these refugees are mothers who just lost their husbands and remain with children. These women are struggling to get food to feed her kids. They cry most nights when thinking about the future of their kids. They feel responsible for not being able to give their children the best life that all mothers would ever wish for their kids. They appreciate and love their host country but miss home!
Can you tell us your story so far?
I come from a strange world. When my mother gave birth to me, the first question she was asked by the doctor was: “Do you want this child?'' When my mother arrived home with me, my grandmother was shocked, and she shouted: “You have to kill the baby or you have to forget that we are your family!”
But my mother chose me as her albino daughter when I was just hours old.
In my community, an albino was viewed as an outcast, someone who should not live, and whose body is good only for sacrificial purposes. I grew up in a family of 10 children, 5 girls and 5 boys. l was the sixth born, and the first albino. At 13 years old, l lost my two beloved parents in a massacre. This time I felt like the world was pouring bitterness toward me and that this was the end of my life. l had to become a mother for my siblings. Since my parents, who were protecting me, were gone, l was kidnapped and was almost killed by people who were killing albinos, yet, thankfully l was secured. I remember running away from my country, Republic Democratic of Congo, to a refugee camp in Uganda.
Leaving my country was painful. I felt like I was forced to leave because of the people who did not accept me as one of them. Life in the camp was not easy. It was difficult to get water to drink or wash with, food to eat, and medical treatment. I would try to find a better place to sleep, always wondering if I would be safe. And not getting any education was sorrowful for me. After 3years in the camp l took a decision to leave Uganda and go to Kenya. To look for education, protection, The UN took me to a safe house of an organization named Refushe, l had the opportunity to go to school and learn some basics in math, science, sociology, English, etc. On September 19th, 2018, I moved to the USA, in Worcester! I was excited to be here and start a new life. Once I settled in, I was enrolled in Burncoat high school. l consider myself a resilient and a survivor. My life as an albino was not the best but l am grateful for each and everything that has happened until today !!
Life inside a refugee camp is particularly hard for women and girls. You were a young girl while living in the camp. Which were your strongest fears? And what do you think the international community can and must do in order to protect these women and girls?
My fears of being a young girl in a refugee camp were: getting sick, because drinking dirty water; there was no good medical treatment. Being sexually abused, as sexual abuse is promoted in a refugee camp because people have no much to do, boys find themselves confined in a small area with limited activities, like schools, agriculture, no jobs, playing games, etc. The thought that boys have in mind is sex. Also as a young girl, you have to walk miles to get to school, l was also worried about my safety, there was a problem of insecurity for people with albinism as well.
You’ve being through so much in your young life and you have been able to blossom despite the hardships. You are an inspiration and a clear example of how refugees are not a burden, as many people think, but individuals with their own strength and capacities that, given the chances, will enrich their own lives, their countries and the world in general. What would you say to governments and people in general on why is important to invest in refugees?
It is critical that refugees are given the opportunity to meet their full potential, to empower them to make a difference in their lives and the community that they live in! All they need is an opportunity. Once they get on their feet, they contribute to society in many ways like they can be doctors, nurses, entertainers, lawyers, etc...
Which are your goals and dreams for the future?
I have big dreams and big goals for my future! First I want to finish my education and get a job. I'd love to work with the UN to support my fellow refugees around the world as I have been through the same struggles so l will be able to understand them better. l will be an artist, a motivational public speaker, and a singer!!!
Do you have a message for the people who are going through whatever type of hardship?
Never give up, no matter what challenges you are facing! The night can be too long but the morning must come. One day you will find the light, no more darkness. Remember that everything happens for a reason. You’re lucky and unique in your own way to have experienced such tragic moments! All those experiences make you who you are.
I think that until we won’t be able to make sure governments will abide to laws and will make new ones when needed, we won’t really be able to stop this humanitarian crisis. The refugee numbers are higher than ever, yet it seems that the international community does not do much, leaving many charities and individuals to help refugees. If you could have the chance to talk to politicians, what would you tell them?
l would tell the government leaders and the communities around the world to come together and creatively build international peace! We need to act now. This is an emergency situation yet it does not seem that way to many! By investing in peace, we are making this world a better place for everyone. No one would like to leave their home country and go to a totally new world. Let's invest in peace by creating unity between countries. Change laws that needs to be changed. In this journey let's not leave women behind, because women are the ones who create the society by giving birth to children. They are the only weapons we can use to lower the rate of poverty around the world. We can do that by empowering women and educate them to take over control of their bodies! Whether it's the husband, government, or religion no one should have that control. By doing this, women will have fewer children and the poverty rate around the world will go down. We need to protect the economy in countries, etc.
On 20th June we celebrated World Refugee Day, an international day designated by the United Nations to honor refugees around the globe. It also shines a light on the rights, needs and dreams of refugees, helping to mobilize political will and resources so refugees can not only survive but also thrive. Which is your message for this special occasion?
My message for those who are refugees is to never victimize yourself, remember that everything happens for a reason. You should consider yourself as warriors and resilient! For those who are not refugees never look down on refugees. Sit and listen to their stories to get to know them more!!
Thanks so much Chantale! It has been a true honor and privilege to have heard part of your story and to have witnessed your strength and resilience.
At the end of 2019, there were 79.5 million forcibly displaced people worldwide as a result of persecution, conflict, violence, human rights violations or events seriously disturbing public order. 40% of them are children. This is the highest number on record according to available data. At least 100 million people were forced to flee their homes during the last 10 years, seeking refuge either within or outside the borders of their country. Several major crises contributed to the massive displacement over the past decade, and the numbers include people who were displaced multiple times. Tens of millions of people were able to return to their places of residence or find other solutions, such as voluntary repatriation or resettlement to third countries, but many more were not and joined the numbers of displaced from previous decades.
In the world, 1 person is forcibly displaced roughly every two seconds as a result of conflict or persecution. Refugees children are five times more likely to be out of school than their non-refugee peers. For every ten refugee boys in primary school, there are fewer than eight refugee girls. In some societies, women and girls face discrimination and violence every day, simply because of their gender. An ordinary task like collecting water or going to the toilet can put them at risk of rape or abuse. In times of displacement, this problem escalates. Women and girls make up around 50 per cent of any refugee, internally displaced or stateless population, and those who are unaccompanied, pregnant, heads of households, disabled or elderly are especially vulnerable.
Read the latest annual report from UNHCR
Sources: unrefugees.org and unhcr.org
Hi Chantale, first of all thanks for talking to me. A few days ago, on 20th June, we celebrated World Refugee Day but we can’t forget that many people still do not know who a refugee exactly is and that there are many misconceptions about them. Can you explain to people who refugees are and why they flee?
Dear Maricla, thank you for having me here today! It is an honor to have the privilege to spread awareness of the most vulnerable refugees. Well, refugees are ordinary people like you and l. The only distinction is that they have been through various circumstances that have come to define their lives events that they did not ask to be part of but were forced into and had no choice. They fled their home countries because of the battle that had put their lives in danger and had to seek for safety. Most refugees are prosecuted because of the color of their skin, political opinions, gender orientation, religion, war crimes, etc. It is difficult to leave a place they called home, a place they were born and raised. The only world that they ever have known. This is a painful decision for anyone, to abandon their houses, clothing, education, jobs, savings, etc. Leaving their loved ones behind like parents, uncle, children, husband, wife, and more. No one would ever wish for this to happen. Now they find themselves in a host country where people speak a language that they do not understand. Many of these refugees are young women who just became orphans and had lost their parents back home. Sadly they were also sexually abused and got pregnant. Now a child is looking after another child with the fear that one day this child will ask for her or his father. Some of these refugees are mothers who just lost their husbands and remain with children. These women are struggling to get food to feed her kids. They cry most nights when thinking about the future of their kids. They feel responsible for not being able to give their children the best life that all mothers would ever wish for their kids. They appreciate and love their host country but miss home!
Can you tell us your story so far?
I come from a strange world. When my mother gave birth to me, the first question she was asked by the doctor was: “Do you want this child?'' When my mother arrived home with me, my grandmother was shocked, and she shouted: “You have to kill the baby or you have to forget that we are your family!”
But my mother chose me as her albino daughter when I was just hours old.
In my community, an albino was viewed as an outcast, someone who should not live, and whose body is good only for sacrificial purposes. I grew up in a family of 10 children, 5 girls and 5 boys. l was the sixth born, and the first albino. At 13 years old, l lost my two beloved parents in a massacre. This time I felt like the world was pouring bitterness toward me and that this was the end of my life. l had to become a mother for my siblings. Since my parents, who were protecting me, were gone, l was kidnapped and was almost killed by people who were killing albinos, yet, thankfully l was secured. I remember running away from my country, Republic Democratic of Congo, to a refugee camp in Uganda.
Leaving my country was painful. I felt like I was forced to leave because of the people who did not accept me as one of them. Life in the camp was not easy. It was difficult to get water to drink or wash with, food to eat, and medical treatment. I would try to find a better place to sleep, always wondering if I would be safe. And not getting any education was sorrowful for me. After 3years in the camp l took a decision to leave Uganda and go to Kenya. To look for education, protection, The UN took me to a safe house of an organization named Refushe, l had the opportunity to go to school and learn some basics in math, science, sociology, English, etc. On September 19th, 2018, I moved to the USA, in Worcester! I was excited to be here and start a new life. Once I settled in, I was enrolled in Burncoat high school. l consider myself a resilient and a survivor. My life as an albino was not the best but l am grateful for each and everything that has happened until today !!
Life inside a refugee camp is particularly hard for women and girls. You were a young girl while living in the camp. Which were your strongest fears? And what do you think the international community can and must do in order to protect these women and girls?
My fears of being a young girl in a refugee camp were: getting sick, because drinking dirty water; there was no good medical treatment. Being sexually abused, as sexual abuse is promoted in a refugee camp because people have no much to do, boys find themselves confined in a small area with limited activities, like schools, agriculture, no jobs, playing games, etc. The thought that boys have in mind is sex. Also as a young girl, you have to walk miles to get to school, l was also worried about my safety, there was a problem of insecurity for people with albinism as well.
You’ve being through so much in your young life and you have been able to blossom despite the hardships. You are an inspiration and a clear example of how refugees are not a burden, as many people think, but individuals with their own strength and capacities that, given the chances, will enrich their own lives, their countries and the world in general. What would you say to governments and people in general on why is important to invest in refugees?
It is critical that refugees are given the opportunity to meet their full potential, to empower them to make a difference in their lives and the community that they live in! All they need is an opportunity. Once they get on their feet, they contribute to society in many ways like they can be doctors, nurses, entertainers, lawyers, etc...
Which are your goals and dreams for the future?
I have big dreams and big goals for my future! First I want to finish my education and get a job. I'd love to work with the UN to support my fellow refugees around the world as I have been through the same struggles so l will be able to understand them better. l will be an artist, a motivational public speaker, and a singer!!!
Do you have a message for the people who are going through whatever type of hardship?
Never give up, no matter what challenges you are facing! The night can be too long but the morning must come. One day you will find the light, no more darkness. Remember that everything happens for a reason. You’re lucky and unique in your own way to have experienced such tragic moments! All those experiences make you who you are.
I think that until we won’t be able to make sure governments will abide to laws and will make new ones when needed, we won’t really be able to stop this humanitarian crisis. The refugee numbers are higher than ever, yet it seems that the international community does not do much, leaving many charities and individuals to help refugees. If you could have the chance to talk to politicians, what would you tell them?
l would tell the government leaders and the communities around the world to come together and creatively build international peace! We need to act now. This is an emergency situation yet it does not seem that way to many! By investing in peace, we are making this world a better place for everyone. No one would like to leave their home country and go to a totally new world. Let's invest in peace by creating unity between countries. Change laws that needs to be changed. In this journey let's not leave women behind, because women are the ones who create the society by giving birth to children. They are the only weapons we can use to lower the rate of poverty around the world. We can do that by empowering women and educate them to take over control of their bodies! Whether it's the husband, government, or religion no one should have that control. By doing this, women will have fewer children and the poverty rate around the world will go down. We need to protect the economy in countries, etc.
On 20th June we celebrated World Refugee Day, an international day designated by the United Nations to honor refugees around the globe. It also shines a light on the rights, needs and dreams of refugees, helping to mobilize political will and resources so refugees can not only survive but also thrive. Which is your message for this special occasion?
My message for those who are refugees is to never victimize yourself, remember that everything happens for a reason. You should consider yourself as warriors and resilient! For those who are not refugees never look down on refugees. Sit and listen to their stories to get to know them more!!
Thanks so much Chantale! It has been a true honor and privilege to have heard part of your story and to have witnessed your strength and resilience.
At the end of 2019, there were 79.5 million forcibly displaced people worldwide as a result of persecution, conflict, violence, human rights violations or events seriously disturbing public order. 40% of them are children. This is the highest number on record according to available data. At least 100 million people were forced to flee their homes during the last 10 years, seeking refuge either within or outside the borders of their country. Several major crises contributed to the massive displacement over the past decade, and the numbers include people who were displaced multiple times. Tens of millions of people were able to return to their places of residence or find other solutions, such as voluntary repatriation or resettlement to third countries, but many more were not and joined the numbers of displaced from previous decades.
In the world, 1 person is forcibly displaced roughly every two seconds as a result of conflict or persecution. Refugees children are five times more likely to be out of school than their non-refugee peers. For every ten refugee boys in primary school, there are fewer than eight refugee girls. In some societies, women and girls face discrimination and violence every day, simply because of their gender. An ordinary task like collecting water or going to the toilet can put them at risk of rape or abuse. In times of displacement, this problem escalates. Women and girls make up around 50 per cent of any refugee, internally displaced or stateless population, and those who are unaccompanied, pregnant, heads of households, disabled or elderly are especially vulnerable.
Read the latest annual report from UNHCR
Sources: unrefugees.org and unhcr.org
This interview is being published in various English and Italian websites in order to bring awareness. If you'd like to publish it on your website/blog/newspaper please get in touch: mariclapannocchia@outlook.it
