From refugee to resilience: Kadija’s story

Despite the difficult journey, Kadija remembers how kind the people they met at the border of South Sudan were. “When we arrived at the transit centre, World Vision, UNHCR, and other organizations welcomed us with warm smiles. They gave us hope and morale to stay strong. I felt a deep sense of relief and safety for my children and myself. They gave my children medicines, biscuits and hope,” she says.

“My children smiled as they received biscuits. For the first time since we left home, they felt happy and safe,” she recalls

Kadija’s family, along with 12 others, was relocated from the Majokyithiou border entry point in Aweil East to the Wedweil Refugee Settlement. There, Kadija has renewed hope for her daughter’s future. She learned that the settlement includes schools for both refugee and host community children, and she holds tightly to the dream that her daughter can still pursue her education and one day become a doctor.

“Despite all the challenges we have faced, I believe my daughter can still become a doctor someday. I am holding onto hope that her future is still bright if this support continues.” she says.

In partnership with UNHCR and the South Sudan Commission for Refugee Affairs (CRA) and funded by the European Union, World Vision implements a multi-sectoral project at the Wedweil Refugee Settlement, which provides protection, education, and primary health care services, including the provision of non-food items (NFIs) for refugees.

When new families arrive at the border, the World Vision team identifies unaccompanied children, people who are wounded, or those who need special help and relocates them.

As part of the project, World Vision helps place unaccompanied and separated children with foster families, ensuring they have care and protection. The project also provides school uniforms, exercise books, and other scholastic materials, and covers examination fees so children can continue their education. Last year alone, more than 400 children were supported with exam fees, and this year over 1,000 learners have received assistance across three integrated schools: Salvation Primary School, Wedweil Primary School, and Wedweil Modern Secondary School.

However, significant gaps remain. Families in urgent need of food continue to struggle, while limited medical services at the border mean those with serious health conditions often go untreated. In addition, the small shelter cannot accommodate all new arrivals, leading to overcrowding and delays.

Kadija’s story shows how agencies like UNHCR and World Vision are working hard to give refugees hope and a better future. Despite the hardships, families like Kadija’s keep believing that a new beginning is possible.

Story & photos by Moses Sakondo | Communication Officer