Lives We Have Changed
From Despair to Hope – Stories of Transformation
The stories of refugees recount the journey from trauma to healing and building a better future, testifying to the incredible resilience of the human spirit and the power of compassion.
Volunteering at Soul Congo offers personal growth and new life meanings. Witnessing refugees’ resilience, volunteers develop empathy and reassess priorities. Their stories inspire others to join this enriching path, positively transforming both refugees and volunteers.
Bishop Asifiwe Salama: A Leader Driven by Vision
Josephine: A Family Reunited
Josephine, a mother of five, survived a massacre and separation from her family. Treatment and care from those around her helped her overcome trauma and find inner peace. Reunited with her husband and children, they are building a new life together.
Bamande Tsongo, Nancy Dede, and Clovis Mafuta: Champions of Change
Bamande, Nancy, and Clovis are dedicated TM instructors working in the challenging conditions of eastern Congo. Their selfless commitment to teaching TM to traumatized refugees, orphans, and victims of conflict inspires positive change in entire communities.
Kasereka: Finding Purpose
Kasereka, a refugee with disabilities, found a new purpose by starting a mat-weaving business. His story demonstrates how a little support can unlock immense potential and restore a sense of dignity.
Maria and Otto: The Power of Personal Connections
Maria and Otto, ambassadors for Soul Congo, have found new meaning by leveraging their connections to gather donations that change lives in Congo. Through heartfelt appeals, they’ve rallied a large community around the cause. Witnessing the impact of their efforts has inspired personal growth, empathy, and a reassessment of priorities. Engaging with refugees has broadened their perspectives and cultivated a desire for lasting change. Their commitment has given them renewed purpose, demonstrating that a life of service leads to profound happiness while making a significant impact. Their sincere approach has inspired others to contribute, creating a growing network committed to positive change.
Fatuma: Hope Amidst Hardship
Fatuma, a 35-year-old widow with four children, fled from conflict. Through the project, she received land, seeds, and farming skills. The harvest was enough to feed her family and start building a house. Fatuma now has hope for reuniting with relatives from the conflict zone. Her story exemplifies the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
Sarah and Kurt: Advocates for Accessible Aid
Sarah and Kurt, a young couple from Switzerland, were touched by the effectiveness and affordability of the TM program in Congo. Realizing that similar assistance in developed countries costs 20-30 times more, they actively engage friends and family in supporting this initiative, multiplying its impact.
Freedom from Anger
For 68-year-old widow Imani, group sessions and socializing in a new community became a release from the burden of anger accumulated over years of loss and hardship. Finding peace of mind in a supportive circle, she demonstrates that it’s never too late to heal from the emotional scars of the past and find new hope.
