By By Sr. Veronica Aluoch Onyango (SFIC-Sisters)
In northern Kenya, Kakuma Refugee Camp has become home to thousands of people who
have been forced to leave their countries because of conflict, insecurity and other challenging
circumstances. Behind the statistics are individuals with personal stories of loss, courage,
resilience and hope. Among those accompanying them is Sr. Elizabeth Grobberio, a religious
sister from the congregation of Missionary Sisters of De Foucauld, who has spent more than
ten years serving the refugee community in Kakuma.
“I have spent more than ten years serving the refugee community in Kakuma,” Sr. Elizabeth
said. During this time, she has worked closely with refugees from several nationalities.
Although they come from different countries, cultures and backgrounds, they share the
experience of displacement. She has witnessed how people who have endured profound loss
can still welcome others, support one another and live together peacefully.
According to Sr. Elizabeth, one of the sources of her hope is the friendliness of the refugees.
“The refugees are friendly and welcoming. They are willing to interact and live peacefully
with others,” she said. Despite the difficulties they face, a strong sense of unity exists among
the different communities. Their ability to live together despite their differences is a
significant expression of resilience and hope.
Sr. Elizabeth’s mission extends beyond the provision of material assistance. She teaches
refugees basic education and provides human formation. “I teach refugees basic education
and human formation, and I also teach them how to read the Bible,” she explained. Through
education, Bible reading and human formation, she helps people acquire knowledge,
understand their dignity and responsibilities, and strengthen their relationship with God and
others.
What encourages Sr. Elizabeth most is the refugees’ willingness to learn. “The refugees are
ready and willing to learn,” she said. Many continue to pursue education despite living in
difficult circumstances. Their commitment to attending lessons, learning to read the Bible and
acquiring knowledge demonstrates that displacement has not extinguished their aspirations.
They continue to hope for improved lives, the ability to support their families and a better
future.
For many refugees, education represents more than the acquisition of academic knowledge. It
can provide a pathway to independence and help them prepare for the future. Basic skills can
enable people to communicate more effectively, understand essential information and support
their families. For children and young people in particular, education offers an opportunity to
develop their talents and envision a future beyond the limitations imposed by displacement.
However, life in Kakuma presents numerous challenges. One of the most significant concerns
is the difficulty of meeting basic needs. Many refugees continue to live in challenging
conditions, particularly families with children, older people and other vulnerable members of
the community. Despite these difficulties, they continue to seek opportunities to learn,
support their families and improve their lives.
Young people face additional challenges. Sr. Elizabeth has witnessed cases of early
pregnancy among girls in the refugee community. “I have witnessed cases of early
pregnancies among girls in the refugee community,” she said. Early pregnancy can interrupt
education and restrict opportunities for young girls. It can also place significant
responsibilities on young mothers who may not yet be prepared to assume them. This
situation underscores the importance of education, guidance, protection and support for
young people.
The humanitarian situation has also changed over time. According to Sr. Elizabeth, some
organizations that previously supported refugees have withdrawn or reduced their activities.
She explained that the decline in humanitarian assistance has made it more difficult for
refugees to access essential services. For people already living in difficult conditions, the
reduction of available services can add another burden to their daily struggles.
Despite these challenges, Sr. Elizabeth continues to see signs of hope within the refugee
community. “Despite the challenges, I still see signs of hope among the refugees,” she said.
Their willingness to learn, their ability to live peacefully with people from different
nationalities and their determination to build better futures demonstrate remarkable resilience.
Her experience shows that supporting refugees is not limited to providing food, shelter or
other material assistance. It also involves being present with them, listening to their concerns,
encouraging them and helping them recognize their abilities. Through education, spiritual
formation, Bible reading and accompaniment, Sr. Elizabeth reminds refugees that their lives
possess dignity and meaning.
The story of Kakuma is therefore not solely a story of suffering. It is also a story of courage,
faith, solidarity and hope. Refugees may have lost their homes, possessions and familiar
surroundings, but many have not lost their dreams. With appropriate support, education and
opportunities, they can continue rebuilding their lives and making positive contributions to
the communities in which they now live.
Sr. Elizabeth’s experience reminds us that supporting refugees and migrants is a shared
responsibility. Governments, humanitarian organizations, churches, religious communities
and local communities all have a role to play in ensuring that displaced people are not
forgotten. Their dignity must remain at the centre of every effort to support them.
Amid the struggle for survival, there are still people willing to serve, learn, believe and hope.
Kakuma therefore reminds us that, even in the most difficult circumstances, hope can take
root when people are accompanied with compassion, dignity and love.