When Samuel and his family fled Sudan seeking safety and a better future, he hoped to find peace and friendship in his new home. However, the reality was not always easy. As a young refugee child living in Egypt, Samuel often faced rejection and bullying because of the color of his skin. The hurtful words and actions of other children left deep emotional wounds in his heart. He felt isolated, misunderstood, and angry. At times, the pain became so overwhelming that he even began directing his frustration toward other Sudanese children around him.

Everything started to change when Samuel joined the Transformational Community Development (TCD) program at the community center. Through the interactive lessons, discussions, and activities, he learned valuable principles about love, forgiveness, respect, and accepting others despite their differences. For the first time, he found a safe environment where he felt welcomed, valued, and heard. The caring relationships he experienced helped him see himself and others in a new light.

Week after week, Samuel’s attitude began to transform. The anger that had once filled his heart was gradually replaced by understanding and compassion. He learned that responding to hurt with more hurt would only continue the cycle of pain. Instead, he chose a different path. Reflecting on his journey, Samuel shared, “I learned to love everyone. Because of my skin color, some Egyptian children used to bully me, and I felt hurt and sometimes thought of revenge. But after the lessons I learned, my perspective changed, and I started speaking kindly about others and treating them with love.”

The center also provided meals for the children, bringing joy and a sense of belonging to many families facing difficult circumstances. For Samuel, however, the greatest gift was not the food—it was the hope and healing he found through the program. Today, Samuel is a child who speaks about peace instead of revenge, friendship instead of division, and love instead of bitterness. With a smile on his face, he proudly says, “Now I can live in peace in Egypt.”

Samuel’s story demonstrates the transformative power of investing in children’s emotional, social, and spiritual development. It is a powerful reminder that when children are given the opportunity to learn, heal, and belong, they can overcome prejudice, build healthy relationships, and become ambassadors of peace within their communities. We hope this center will continue to be a place of care and transformation, empowering more children, youth, and women and contributing to a more peaceful, inclusive, and united society.

Thank you,

Written by Azmy, GHNI TCD Worker