From the Philippine understanding of refugee concerns to the regional challenges of refugees, there is still much work to be done. It is essential to include and prepare refugee leaders like JN to ensure appropriate strategies and approaches moving forward.

For nearly two years now, JN has been part of the core group in the project titled “Empowering Refugee Women and Youth towards Self-Reliance and Socio-Economic Integration in the Philippines,” implemented by PACCI together with CFSI and funded by VOICE Philippines. The project aims to empower women and youth refugees and assist them in settling seamlessly in the Philippines through capacity building. Transitioning from being a participant to a volunteer women’s coordinator required dedication and hard work.

When asked why she chose to be a women’s coordinator, JN said she wanted to meet other female refugees and create a group where they can talk about their past experiences, current situations, and dreams for the future. She faced some hardships during the transition, but the encouragement from other refugees and her managers inspired her to continue this advocacy. Additionally, the leadership and language proficiency programs improved her confidence in interacting effectively with refugees from different cultural backgrounds.

At the end of the PACCI Women’s Collective Program launch June 21, 2024 at the Resource Center, she shared, “We are very happy to have this kind of project because we benefit from it. Before, women refugees like us were just at home, with nothing to do much. But now, we wake up with a purpose, so you feel like there is a change happening for us women refugees. When this project started, I saw many things that made my heart feel happy. As a women’s coordinator, I meet and talk with women from different backgrounds. I am so happy for this project because it has already developed my self-confidence through public speaking. I can now go out and speak about the rights of women. I have attended many training sessions through this project, so I’m just becoming more and more confident because of it. I am very grateful. We are encouraging many women to participate in this project because it helps us develop our skills. Sometimes, as a woman, you think you don’t have the right to speak, but this project empowers us to a higher standard.”

The project conducted by PACCI and CFSI made a positive change in JN’s life as a young refugee who was once alone but now has a “home” that understands and cares for her. JN expressed her gratitude to PACCI and CFSI for believing in her abilities and PACCI appointing her as a Women’s Coordinator. She also thanked VOICE Philippines for “accepting refugees to be part of your project.” She said, “We really appreciate it because, without this project, everyone was lost. There was no group, no sharing, no stories, no anything. We did not know each other, but now we are like family, and we have skills as well. Thank you so much!”

Nine years after arriving in a foreign country, JN, a refugee from East Africa and currently a Women’s Coordinator at PACCI, is now finishing her college degree in Economics at Cavite State University. She plans to pursue a degree in Education at Philippine Normal University, where she participated in the project’s Business English Course for 15 days. She hopes to be a teacher someday to continue assisting other refugees.

To her fellow refugees, JN wanted to share this quote with with you, “Icizero Nico gisunika umuntu murugendo rugiye kugeza ruheze” which translates to: “Hope is what pushes a person to complete a difficult journey.