“I was 9 years old when war entered my life. Today, my son Rumi is 9 years old. The difference between our childhoods is something no child should have to experience.” ♥️
He was born in peace, and my deepest wish is that he grows up in peace, lives a long and fulfilling life, and grows old surrounded by love and safety.
Yet millions of children around the world do not have that privilege.
I was once a refugee, just like @yambio.david whose amazingly powerful keynote story and courage touched my heart so deeply. And I hope that neither my son nor any child will ever have to experience what it means to flee your home, leave everything behind, and start over in an unfamiliar place.
My story is not unique. My face and my story are the face and story of millions of children around the world who have been forced to flee.
That is why I am proud to be one of the ambassadors of Refugee Welcome Week.
I invite you to join us during the Radical Hope & Courage Weeks and be part of conversations, encounters, and experiences that bring people together and strengthen our shared humanity.
Check out the full programme from 8–21 June in Amsterdam, The Hague, Rotterdam, Utrecht, and Groningen via the Refugee Welcome Week website.
Refugee Welcome Week is a community-led initiative by refugees, for everyone.
Because radical hope is not naïve optimism.
It is the courage to insist on a future you cannot yet see. ♥️
Thank you @refugeewelcomeweek.nl @tekjordi @mbcell0 @brightrichardsndc @pakhuisdezwijger and many more for the amazing organisation and all the great work that you do!