My name is Caleb and I am 8 years old. I come from Congo but now I live in Nakivale Refugee Camp. The Heroes Journey has helped me have some hope for the future.

I have been having a heavy heart due to the pain of hearing that my father was violently killed.

The rebels came home one night and took our dad to the bush and demanded a lot of money as a ransom to release him. We sold our land and sent the money, but the rebels still killed our father. I hated my life, and I hated people, and I had a very heavy stone in my heart, and would sometimes cry when I was alone.

The Heroes Journey taught me that we need each other for us to become Heroes and overcome challenges. We need to be grateful in life for the small things, like me having fellow community children to play with, and like walking to school together. I am a changed person now, and I will not beat my friends anymore, but I will help them in life.

The story of Emmanuel’s dream has encouraged me to be focused and work hard to turn my pain into a blessing for the good of my life, my family, and my community.

Because of the generosity of people like you, children like Caleb have found strength in themselves and within their communities to overcome what they are facing. BUT there are thousands of people with stories that are yet to end with hope. Help Tutapona provide emotional healing by donating today.

*Name has been changed to protect the individual and family.