“To be called a refugee is the opposite of an insult; it is a badge of strength, courage, and victory.” – Tennessee Office for Refugees
June 20th was World Refugee Day. With more than 37.6 million people who identify as refugees (UNHCR, 2023), I am in awe of the strength, courage, and resilience of people who have been forced to flee their homes. World Refugee Day is observed every year on June 20th to raise awareness on the plight of millions of people who have been forced to flee their homes due to violence, war, and persecution. Moreover, this critical day honors the significant contributions of refugees globally.
This year, to extend my development as a refugee and forced migration scholar, I accompanied Dr. Nhial, Dr. Proscovia, and former and current trainees to the refugee settlements in the West Nile region of Northern Uganda to observe their ongoing studies with refugees. While I have worked with refugees in the U.S. and global settings, such as South Africa, Zambia, Jordan, Turkey, Lebanon, and India, this was my first-time visiting refugee settlement sites (e.g., Bididi, Impevi, and Rhino).
It was powerful to observe members of the research team support the implementation of the youth readiness intervention (YRI) and financial literacy training (FLT). For example, Joseph, one of the talented facilitators, delivered important themes to the young adults, such as the value of deep breathing. He was extremely knowledgeable and thoughtful with his delivery. In exchange, the young adults embraced the content with their attentiveness and affirmative nods and smiles. Visiting the settlements reignited my resolve to work alongside global refugee communities to develop and implement studies to address their educational and mental health needs, drawing on their strength, resilience, and courage. Refugees matter. Not just on June 20th, but every day.