The work is challenging, but the smiles on the faces of the children motivate and inspire me to face any challenge and bring happiness to these children…
…but then, I pause and ponder and say to myself, ‘if the refugees do not lose hope, how can I?’
Vrouyr likes the quote by Einstein: ‘’The Bundle of belongings isn’t the only thing a refugee brings to his new country.’’
“Every step of my journey was made possible by people’s humanity. If it wasn’t for their kindness, I would have lost my mind. “
When the support I provide helps a single mother, who lost her husband, find a durable solution that restores her hope, it’s something I am proud of…
I’ll never forget the time when I was involved in a hostage situation, together with other humanitarian workers. …
I feel that it is our mission to give hope to those, whose lives were entirely changed by the tragedy of Haiyan…
In the daily work with refugees, I have the opportunity to see how they strive for a better future, despite all they have suffered…
Being a woman in this job is not easy. People often ask me: “You are 25 years old. Why are you not married?”…
“Helping people and bringing happiness back into broken lives is like an addiction…..you do it once, and then keep going for the rest of your life”
Marzia considers a letter from a refugee as one of the most rewarding moments in her work…
Whether you are a refugee or a humanitarian worker, home is a place where you can seek safety, comfort, love and support…
Kwa Kyi became a landmine victim in 1986, but has since dedicated himself to advocating for those with disabilities and who have suffered a similar fate.
Photojournalist Shawn Baldwin met Syrian refugee and UNHCR volunteer Loula Al Hamoud in Chekka, Lebanon…
The father of one of the refugee families decided that another volunteer and I would not be without a family in Iraq, so he appointed us as his sisters…
While he would sometimes steal the spotlight through his jokes, he is also a leader who steps aside so that the community would realize their capacities and potential…
I remember well the 2011 emergency. Due to drought, famine and conflict in Somalia we were receiving 1,500 – 2,600 refugees daily…
Margarita tells the story of professor Nelson Pajaro, who was displaced himself but implemented a project that gave training to children…
Once, a woman came to see me in tears. We talked for a very long time and she left without asking for anything. I had helped her just by being there and listening…
The personal satisfaction in this work can be significant and it pushes you to engage in even greater efforts…
Naima’s uncle was murdered in Ethiopia, her parents fled to Kenya as political refugees…
When I see these women raise their voices, move their feet and empower others to create change, I feel proud of my work…
Sebastian tries to promote diversity in his business to give each individual the same chance he had to grow and flourish into the person they are meant to be.
Carlos, who was himself a victim of forced displacement in his youth, enjoys working with and assisting the community, especially the children….
Aspasia Marangou, a teacher, recalls the time she met Kataya from Lebanon while volunteering for an NGO in Cyprus…
The most rewarding part is that I help others endure their suffering and achieve something that they couldn’t before.
“Every day I go home, I thank God for giving me the opportunity to help others.” But the work can be professionally and personally challenging….
As a sister to two younger brothers I could almost hear my heart break. I couldn’t imagine my little brother going through life without dreams…
I was not the only one who was helpless and disabled, I thought about establishing an association that advocated for the needs of the disabled persons….
I Ne Meh, refugee from Myanmar, is now a Child Protection Monitor helping to protect at risk Karen children in Thailand…
Learn more about our work with refugees at UNHCR.org