Emerlyn’s Struggle for a New Life

Emerlyn’s life was one filled with hope and dreams in her homeland, a place where she and her husband, envisioned a future for their children. They lived a modest life in a tight-knit community. Her husband was a dedicated member of the opposition party FNL, and committed to the vision of a better future for their country. However, their idyllic life was disrupted by the rising political tensions and pressures from the ruling party, CNDD-FDD.

In early 2016, Her husband’s friends, who were staunch supporters of CNDD-FDD, pressured him to join the ruling party. They offered him promises of protection and benefits, but his loyalty to his principles and the opposition party, FNL, was unwavering. His refusal to join CNDD-FDD was met with hostility and resentment. What began as coercion soon turned into a sinister plot against his life and that of his family.

One fateful evening, a friend was moved by conscience, risked his life and revealed the plot to Emerlyn’s husband that their mutual friends planned to eliminate her husband and his family in a matter of days. With only a small fee, this friend disclosed the exact time and manner of the planned attack, giving Emerlyn and family the chance to flee.

With heavy hearts, Emerlyn and her husband left behind their home, belongings, and the life they had built. They fled to Kenya, arriving at the Kakuma refugee camp in 2016. The transition was harrowing; the camp was overcrowded, and living conditions were harsh. Emerlyn found it particularly difficult to adjust, constantly worried for the safety of her family and struggling with the loss of her home and community.

Life in Kakuma has been a relentless struggle. The family has faced continuous threats from unknown assailants, believed to be remnants of the very forces they fled from. The pervasive fear has taken a toll on their mental and physical health. Her husband’s health, in particular, has deteriorated; he suffers from high blood pressure, exacerbated by the stress and poor living conditions in the camp. Emerlyn herself has battled various health issues, compounded by the inadequate medical facilities in the camp.

Despite these challenges, Emerlyn remains resilient. She works tirelessly to care for her family, striving to provide a semblance of normalcy for her children amidst the chaos. Her strength is bolstered by her unwavering hope for a safer, brighter future in a third country where they can rebuild their lives away from the shadows of political persecution.

Emerlyn’s plea for resettlement is a cry for safety, dignity, and the chance to start a new life. The family dreams of a place where the husband can receive proper medical care, where their children can go to school without fear, and where Emerlyn can finally find peace. They yearn for a community that embraces them, free from the threats that have haunted them for years.

Emerlyn’s story is one of bravery in the face of adversity. She has shown remarkable courage and resilience, but she cannot do it alone. With your support, Emerlyn and her family can find the sanctuary they desperately need. Your donation can help them secure a future free from fear and filled with hope. Together, we can help Emerlyn’s family take the crucial steps towards resettlement in a third country, giving them the opportunity to rebuild their lives and thrive once more.