My name is Adrian and I am 12 years old. My family are refugees from Congo, but I was born in Uganda. I don't know how long my family has been here, but they’ve been refugees here for a long time. 

At home, I have two other siblings, and I am the oldest, we live with my aunt and uncle. Last year my mother left. I don't know where she went, or why she left, but it was very difficult. We think it could have something to do with my dad because he has been abusive to us. 

I want to be able to help my siblings but right now I’m only 12, so I’m not able to, but when I grow up, it is my responsibility to take care of them. I really like my Aunt and Uncle and they treat me really well.

I am in grade six and I enjoy school. My favorite subject is Mathematics, I’m very good at it! However, I have not been able to go to school because of Corona. I feel bad about the situation, but I was lucky enough to be given some study materials, so I am reading and doing some school work at home. I want to be an engineer when I grow up because I see it is very profitable, so I will be able to support my siblings and family. 

Corona is bad because it has brought poverty to the whole world. People are no longer working here because of the restrictions. This has affected us in our home because transport was stopped and so if we want to move, we can't move, even to get the necessities. We only have what we are given from the monthly food distribution - we get maize, beans, cooking oil, salt and soya. It’s not enough for our family, and we have no way of getting more. Our aunt and uncle try to find more supplements, but it is very difficult for them.

The Heroes Journey has helped! I have learned that when someone does something to you, you forgive them. When you find someone with a lot of work, you can help them. You can always show care and kindness. Each day we are given a homework task - I remember one of them where I was told to go home and draw a picture of someone that makes me happy and I think is a hero. I drew a picture of my Aunt, because she is so kind to us! I have an example of someone I forgave: my father because he abused me, but I am choosing to forgive him and let go. 

To any other children I see, I want to encourage them to come to the next Heroes Journey program so that they can learn so many good things that would help them to have a good life!

• Adrian*, Uganda

*Name has been changed to protect individual and their family