Displacement is more than just a physical journey; it is a rupture of the soul, a tearing away from everything familiar, and a plunge into the unknown. For Clare Mukandutiye, a Congolese refugee, the scars of war ran deep, not just on her homeland, but on her heart and mind. Fleeing the brutal conflict in Congo in 1996, her journey to Kenya was a harrowing escape, marked by loss, fear, and uncertainty. She left behind a life shattered by violence, disconnecting with her family members, and carrying with her the weight of trauma that would haunt her for years to come.

Her arrival in Kenya was not the sanctuary she had hoped for. With no job, no family, and no support system, Clare found herself trapped in a cycle of survival. She took on odd jobs, endured exploitation, and even resorted to undignified work to feed her children. The mental toll was unbearable. The constant fear, the humiliation, and the relentless struggle to provide for her family left her feeling broken and hopeless. At one point, she was brutally assaulted by a gang, leaving her with physical scars that mirrored the emotional wounds she carried.

Clare’s mental health deteriorated under the weight of her circumstances. She felt isolated, worthless, and trapped in a life that seemed to offer no way out. The trauma of displacement had stripped her of her dignity, her sense of self, and her belief in a better future. But even in her darkest moments, She held on to a flicker of hope, a hope that one day, she would find a way to rebuild her life.

That hope began to take shape when Clare encountered the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS). Through a recovery group supported by JRS, She found a lifeline. The group, designed to help women like her heal from the trauma of exploitation and displacement, offered her more than just support, it offered her a chance to reclaim her life. JRS provided Clare with psychosocial counseling, helping her confront and process the pain she had carried for so long. For the first time in years, Clare felt seen, heard, and valued.

But it didn’t stop there. Recognizing Clare’s determination and resilience, JRS provided her with business training and a grant of 50,000 Kenyan shillings to start her own business. With this support, Clare opened a small kiosk in Kabiria, where she began selling fish. The business was modest, but it was hers,a tangible symbol of her strength and independence. This was more than just a source of income; it was a lifeline to a future she had once thought impossible.

Today, Clare’s kiosk is thriving. She can now provide for her children, put food on the table, and even contribute to her community. The skills she gained through JRS have empowered her to manage her business with confidence, and the counseling she received has given her the emotional strength to face each day with hope. Clare’s transformation is a testament to the power of resilience and the impact of compassionate support.

“I will forever be grateful to JRS and the recovery group. They gave me back my life.” She says

From the depths of despair, she has risen to build a life of dignity and purpose. Her journey is a powerful reminder that even in the face of unimaginable hardship, hope will prevail. And for Clare, that hope is now a reality, a reality she has built with her own hands, one fish at a time.

Her resilience, and with  JRS support, has not only transformed her life but has also ignited a spark of hope in the hearts of those around her.