Trauma Counseling for Child Survivors of War

Finding Hope Again: Ayen’s Story

When eleven-year-old Ayen arrived in Uganda after fleeing conflict in South Sudan, she carried little more than memories of fear and loss. The violence had taken her father and forced her family to leave everything behind. In the refugee settlement, Ayen struggled with nightmares and often withdrew from other children.

During one of our community visits, our mental health team met Ayen and gently began to involve her in group therapy for children affected by trauma. Through art, play, and guided conversations, she began to express what she had kept locked inside. Week by week, Ayen learned coping skills to manage anxiety and regain a sense of safety.

As she connected with other children and caring staff, her confidence grew. She began to smile again, to draw pictures of hope instead of fear. Eventually, Ayen became one of the most active participants in the children’s support group — helping welcome new arrivals and encouraging them to share their own stories.

Today, Ayen is thriving in school and dreams of becoming a teacher. Her journey reminds us that with the right support — care, community, and consistent mental health programs — healing is possible, even for children who have faced unimaginable hardship.

Your Support Brings Hope

Stories like Ayen’s are only possible because of the generosity of people who care. Every contribution helps provide essential mental health care, trauma counseling, and safe spaces for refugee children to heal and dream again. When you give, you’re not just funding a program — you’re helping a child find hope, confidence, and a future beyond the pain of displacement. Together, we are rebuilding lives and restoring the light of hope in young hearts across Uganda.

Dear Friends,

We continue to thank God for your faithful support towards children who have come to Uganda as refugees.  Without your partnership, boys like David would be without hope.  Below is a bit of his story.

David's Story

I lost my father at the age of five during the war in South Sudan. He was killed in front of us by soldiers, and though they wanted to kill us too, my uncle stopped them. That moment traumatized me and my siblings deeply.

Life became very difficult. Our mother was left alone with no income, so we worked small jobs just to survive. Due to the continued violence and suffering, my brother and I fled to Uganda.

In Uganda, we were welcomed and given shelter. To support ourselves, we did casual jobs to afford food, clothes, and school fees. I’m now in Senior 4, and I’m grateful to still be pursuing my dream of becoming a teacher.

I Live Again Uganda has helped me find peace and healing through their teachings, especially on forgiveness and trauma recovery. I now feel more confident, connected with others, and free from the pain I carried for years.

My Future Plans

I want to finish school, become a teacher, and one day own land and a business to support my family and create a better life.

Support Other Child Refugees Like David

Programs like I Live Again Uganda have transformed my life and helped me heal from trauma. But many more children who have suffered through war, loss, and displacement still need this kind of support.

You can help by donating to I Live Again Uganda, so they can continue to provide trauma healing, mental health education, and hope to child refugees like me.

DONATE TODAY to support ILA’s life-changing programs.
Your contribution can give another child the chance to heal, grow, and dream again.

Thank you for your generous support!