Sifa's Tapestry: Threads of Resilience
Guest Post by Akon Deograce
Substack is a haven for writers, creatives, and content producers. But, it’s a media platform that requires sufficient internet access and data. As a result, Substack is not as accessible as one might think or hope it to be → and therefore, not as diverse as it could be. How do we change that? One option: Guest Posts.
I’ve decided to do host the work of storytellers, poets, and creatives living in places around the world where uploading content to Substack is impossible (or at the very least would require purchasing data with funds that otherwise would be used for food and medicine).
One such place that has minimal access to resources and data availability but where people live with incredible stories to tell is the Nakivale Refugee Settlement in Uganda. Nakivale is home to over 170K refugees, half of whom are from the Democratic Republic of Congo which for years has been a place of terrifying internal conflict and continues to be, particularly recently with new elections in December 2023. At the bottom of this post, you’ll find maps!
My friend, Akon Deograce, is a 22-year old Congolese refugee. He is a creative entrepreneur and organizer. A ChangeMaker with a vision for bringing not only hope but poverty relief and economic empowerment to his community. His bio follows below. He is also my cohost for an online Young Artist Expo and Exchange on June 1, 2024 which you can read about here.
Here is a short story that Akon wrote and sent to me to share with you (including pictures of his young art students). Leave a comment for Akon once you have read it!
Sifa’s Tapestry: Threads of Resilience
By Akon Deograce
Once upon a time, in a land where uncertainty and hope intertwined, there lived a young girl named Sifa. She was a refugee, her life uprooted by turmoil, but within her burned the fierce flame of resilience.
Sifa's world was a patchwork of memories from her homeland and the realities of the refugee camp where she now lived. The camp was a labyrinth of tents and temporary shelters, but Sifa's family managed to create a small haven within their canvas walls. Her mother's lullabies, sung in their native tongue, were the threads that wove the family's nights together.
Despite the scarcity of resources, Sifa harbored a zest for learning that transcended her surroundings. The refugee camp's makeshift school was her palace of knowledge, where letters and numbers danced before her eager eyes. She absorbed lessons like a sponge, and her teachers marveled at her quick wit and determination.
But it wasn't just academics that captured Sifa's interest. She had a creative soul, and she found beauty in the midst of chaos. With scraps of fabric and thread, she crafted colorful tapestries that told stories of her homeland—stories of joy and sorrow, of festivals and famines. These tapestries became a beacon of culture and heritage for the other refugees.
Sifa's dreams stretched beyond the confines of the camp. She envisioned a future where she could blend her love for art with her desire to help others. She began teaching the younger children in the camp, using art as a tool to heal and express emotions too complex for words.
As fate would have it, a visiting humanitarian took notice of Sifa's artwork and her work with the children. Moved by her talent and her heart, they helped organize an exhibition outside the camp. Sifa's tapestries were displayed for an audience that was captivated by the depth and vibrancy of her work.
The exhibition was a turning point for Sifa. Her story and art resonated with many, and she received support to continue her education and artistic endeavors. Sifa used this opportunity to bridge worlds, bringing awareness to the refugee crisis while empowering her community through art.
Years later, Sifa's name became synonymous with hope. She had transformed her experiences into a force for change, becoming an advocate for refugees worldwide. Her tapestries hung in galleries and homes, each stitch a testament to the enduring spirit of those who seek a new beginning.
And so, Sifa's story reminds us that within every heart lies the power to overcome adversity to her and The conclusion of Sifa's story is a testament to the power of hope and creativity. From the threads of her challenging life, she wove a masterpiece that transcended boundaries, bringing together people from all walks of life. Sifa's legacy was not just in the colors and patterns of her tapestries but in the lives she touched and the community she uplifted. Her art became a bridge, spirit a guiding light, and her life a story of triumph over adversity—a story that would be told for generations to come.
Akon Deograce, Age 22, Congolese Artist and ChangeMaker living in Nakivale Refugee Settlement, Uganda
Akon’s bio, written by Akon.
In the heart of the Democratic Republic of Congo, a child named Akon Deograce was born. Amidst the bustling life of a large family, Akon’s aspirations transcended the ordinary; he was drawn to the arts and yearned to create and inspire. Akon’s childhood was a tapestry of vibrant dreams and harsh realities. As he stood on the cusp of secondary school, his life was upended by the chaos of war, a brutal reminder of life’s fragility. The family, once a sanctuary of love and laughter for fourteen souls, was tragically fragmented by the conflict, leaving only seven survivors. Akon, alongside his kin, embarked on a treacherous odyssey, a test of endurance and spirit. The roads became transient shelters, each step forward a testament to their resilience. The turning point came when they were taken to the Nakivale Refugee Settlement in Uganda, a place that marked a new chapter in Akon’s life. “Amidst my humble beginnings at the Settlement, I learned the value of community and resilience. Each day was a lesson in survival and solidarity, as we shared what little we had and supported each other’s dreams. From the long walks to school to the late nights selling bananas, my journey has been one of resilience and hope. I have carried water at dawn and shared biscuits with refugee children, all while dreaming of a better world. In 2021, I founded Nakivale Young Talent Community. This initiative became my life mission, channeling my passion for change into action. It was a commitment to lift others as I climbed, to turn the tide of despair into waves of opportunity for the children, youth, women and teenage mothers of my community. I have become a voice of the voiceless, a champion of the underdog, and a leader of the next generation. I am a change maker.
A note on geography
Where is the Democratic Republic of the Congo? Smack dab in the middle of Africa (orange below). Where is Uganda? Wedged between Democratic Republic of the Congo and Kenya.
Where is the Nakivale Refugee Settlement? It is in the south west corner of Uganda. It was originally set up in the late 1950’s to accept refugees from Rwanda. Uganda has one of the most progressive refugee policies in the world. Uganda actually hosts the most refugees of any country of Africa: 1.5 million refugees.
Thank you for reading!
Drop a like, restack, and leave a comment of support for Akon! I’ll make sure he hears of it.
What are other ways you uplift voices of people unable to speak here on Substack? How can we work together to bring greater diversity to the Substack universe? I’d love to know your thoughts. Let’s find new ways to bring new voices, diverse perspectives, and amazing stories from around the world to Substack!
Emily
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