Blog

Lessons from Africa: Hope, Resilience, and the Power of Opportunity

By Ryan Turbyfill

Earlier this year, I had the opportunity to travel through Rwanda, Eastern Congo (DRC), Uganda, Kenay and Tanzania to visit and learn more about the work being done by Serenity House Africa (SHA), an organization supporting vulnerable children, through education, housing, and economic empowerment.

I traveled by myself but was welcomed and guided by SHA volunteers working on the ground in both Congo and Uganda. I’ve known the organization through its director, Grace, who lives in Colorado and originally immigrated from the Congo. Seeing the work firsthand — and meeting the children and families directly impacted — was one of the most meaningful experiences of my life.

One of the most unique aspects of the trip was traveling into Bukavu in Eastern Congo during a very unstable period in the region. I was fortunate to be allowed into the province and was told I may have been one of the only Americans permitted into that area at the time. Crossing the border into a region controlled by M23 forces was intimidating and surreal, but once inside, what stood out most was not fear — it was the resilience and warmth of the people.

Much of SHA’s work focuses on orphaned and vulnerable children living in Congo and Uganda. During my time in Bukavu, I visited schools, homes, and neighborhoods where many children supported by SHA live. The poverty was difficult to comprehend at times and a new level from other areas of the world I had seen. I met families of 10 sharing tiny shacks no bigger than 10’x10’, families rebuilding after devastating fires, the war, and students desperately trying to stay in school despite tuition costs that would seem impossibly small to most Americans. In Bukavu only about 30% of the kids are able to attend school; even though tuition and school supplies are around $100 per year.

One moment I will never forget was seeing a young girl outside a school teaching her younger siblings with a piece of chalk on scrap metal because they wanted so badly to learn and their mother couldn’t afford the fees. The determination in these children despite overwhelming hardship was incredible.

Another family had 10 children, the father had been killed by the war, the 17 year old brother had been kidnapped and forced into the militia, the 2 year old brother died in February due to malnutrition and two girls, 15 and 16 were no longer in school as the mother could not afford fees. Her job was collecting casava leaves to sell on the side of the road. The school director where the girls had attended, stated these girls were brilliant and estimated their IQ’s to be high 120’s to low 130’s. When I asked these girls if they wanted to go back to school, Rosetta replied “I fall asleep almost each night dreaming of going back to school.” I spoke to Grace and said we need to get these girls in school and I’ll do what’s needed. Grace agreed and upon telling the girls the news, both girls and their mother burst into tears. Imagine, teenage girls bursting with excitement to go back to school!!!

I also spent time teaching very basic business and financial concepts to women who some of their children were supported by Serenity House Africa. Many of the women sold vegetables, cooked food, washed clothes, sold used shoes, or brewed homemade products to support their families. The discussions were simple but powerful — talking about concepts like revenue versus profit, managing inventory, and how small amounts of capital could help them expand their businesses and better provide for their children.

In Uganda, I had the opportunity to visit the future Serenity House Africa orphan home currently under construction. The home is being built to house approximately 20 orphaned children and provide them with safety, stability, education, and opportunity. I was able to meet nearly all of the children who are expected to live there once completed.

Meeting those kids was unforgettable.

Despite facing hardships most of us cannot imagine — losing parents, displacement, extreme poverty, and instability — they were joyful, curious, respectful, and full of hope. We played soccer, shared meals, laughed constantly, and talked about their dreams for the future. One young boy jokingly challenged me to bring my soccer gear next time because “it’s you versus me.” Moments like that stay with you.

The experience also reinforced something I’ve long believed: opportunity changes lives. Whether in Colorado, Congo, or Uganda, people want many of the same things — education, dignity, stability, purpose, and the chance to create a better future for their families.

I came home with a much deeper appreciation for the blessings we often take for granted and tremendous respect for the volunteers and leaders working daily in very difficult environments to create hope where little exists.

Serenity House Africa is doing truly impactful work, and I’m grateful I had the chance to witness it firsthand.

Help Us Build a Brighter Future

Thank You, we'll be in touch soon.

Help Us Build a Brighter Future

Serenity House Africa

Pages

Social