“I remember the day my life changed forever. War broke out in my village in DR Congo and I had to flee with my family to escape the fighting.” After spending time at a refugee camp, Julienne met our local partner, Centre Resolution Conflits (CRC). They supported her with training to help her farm, and gave her a loan of $50 to buy some land. Today, Julienne runs a small business selling cassava, beans, and other vegetables. “My life has totally changed. My children have new clothes and we eat properly now.” Thanks to all our partners who are supporting women and families displaced by war 🧡🩵 (fb)

“When the shelling started, we would lie on the ground so we would not be killed.” These are the words of Iliena. She’s from Mariupol, Ukraine. “On the morning of February 24 [2022], I woke up and went to work … I haven't returned home since.” The war in Ukraine forced Iliena to flee for her life. Along with 6 of her family members, she sought refuge in her sister's apartment. As the shelling intensified, their electricity and heating was soon cut off. That’s when Iliena knew she and her family had to leave Ukraine. With help from a network of volunteers, they managed to escape. “France welcomed us warmly… we received temporary protection status [there].” Iliena and her family are now safe and have a space to call home. They are receiving help with food and other essentials, and her grandchildren are attending a nearby school. Whilst Iliena and her family feel safe in France, they hope to one day return home to Ukraine. We thank all the peacebuilders who are supporting survivors of war like Iliena, helping them find safety and rebuild their lives 💛💙 (fb)