Ghila: “I never had the chance to go to school, and I felt shame over this. This is why I encouraged my children to get an education. Three of them studied in Libya, one in Cuba, and the youngest in Algeria. When they left to study, I missed my children a lot, but I am very proud of them. The four eldest are all working. My youngest son just recently graduated, after studying statistics.

If I had had the chance to study, I would have studied the Koran and Arabic language. Although I did not go to school, my father taught me traditional medicine, including cupping and use of herbs. Many people come to me for treatment, and I help them two or three times a week. I would like to pass on this knowledge to someone within the family, but none are interested in it as a profession. However, one of my grandkids is showing some interest, so I will continue to teach her.

My greatest joy in life is spending time with my grandchildren. They also like to spend time with me, and I think this is because I am very tender with them, and they know how much I love them. I feel responsible for teaching my grandchildren – mainly about being good people and about the Sahrawi traditions. The greatest lesson given is that which is not spoken. How to teach them to be good people?: Don’t steal, don’t lie, and treat everyone with respect.”

Ghila lives in Smara refugee camp in Algeria since 40 years. In 1975, as a young mother aged 28, she fled conflict in Western Sahara Territory with her family. She travelled for three months on foot in a group of people, taking with them “gofia”, a mixture of soya and maize, dates, barley, sugar, tea, water, and some animals to survive. Ten people of the group died before they made it to Algeria, including four of her own children.

Refugees. Ordinary people living through extraordinary times. Share their stories.