World Refugee Day 2024: Miremba’s Journey Of Life

The Astellas Global Health Foundation has partnered with UNHCR to help address gaps in mental health services for thousands of refugees.

Globally, nearly 29.4 million refugees, about 41 percent of whom are under the age of 18, have been forced to flee their home countries. World Refugee Day is an international opportunity to raise awareness for people who have been forced to leave and to advocate for their rights. In honor of this important day, we’re sharing 15-year-old Miremba’s story. In Uganda, the Astellas Global Health Foundation partnered with UNHCR to help address gaps in mental health services for thousands of refugees living in 5 settlement camps. 

“I no longer have constant headaches. I am hopeful that one day, I will become a doctor. The therapy sessions have helped me discover my inner strength and cope with life’s challenges without harming myself. I have been able to re-engage with discussion groups and re-join my football club.” - Miremba

Fifteen-year-old Miremba has travelled the journey from despair to hope. Several years ago, she lost her father. As the eldest child, Miremba took on the care of her three siblings as well as her mother who suffers from an illness.
Even with these responsibilities, she did her best to continue her education at the primary school, located in her refugee settlement. Faced with devastating and overwhelming circumstances, when Miremba’s father died she began to experience headaches, depression, anxiety and fear. She could not focus in school due to crippling anxiety about her family’s future. Her grades eventually suffered, and despite her passion for football, she quit her local club. 

Miremba portrayed significant signs of mental illness, which is common among refugee children acting as heads of households. But because of misinformation and cultural stigma around mental health, she did not have access to mental health support – until the “Journey of Life” program began at her school. Alongside other students facing similar challenges, Miremba attended the program of UNHCR’s local partner TPO, finding support, learning positive coping mechanisms and resilience techniques, and identifying her dreams and aspirations.

“She is now very vibrant and outgoing. I would like to thank TPO Uganda for intervening to save my daughter. She is my source of joy and I will continue to support her.” – Miremba’s mother