As a teenager growing up in a Ugandan refugee camp, Robert Sebatware kept a diary.
He wrote about fleeing his home in Democratic Republic of Congo when he was just 4 years old. He wrote about the hardships of growing up in a refugee camp.

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But mostly, Robert wrote about his dreams.

“I wrote about my dreams of safety, of finding a home, of becoming someone great, of living a purposeful life.”

“I wrote about my dreams to make them come true… and so far they have.”

Robert’s dream for safety came true in 2016 when he and his family arrived in America.
He, along with his wife, Esther, and two young children were overjoyed and relieved when they arrived in Phoenix and were greeted by IRC team members.

“They took us to our apartment and it was all furnished. We were so surprised to meet people like them who really cared about our safety and our needs.”
Since then, Robert’s dreams of owning a home have come true too. “The IRC helped me gain skills. I worked hard and saved,” says Robert. “I never thought I could do this in America.”

Life for the family at their new home is full of joy. Their children are growing and thriving, they have friends, and they cherish their time together.
“As a family, we love to renovate and paint the house together. Having my family together is what makes a home.”

As Robert’s oldest child, Sandra, goes off to school, he can’t help but feel regret that he was never able to finish school himself. Education in the refugee camp where he grew up was not consistent, and his family couldn’t afford for him to complete high school.

“I dream of going back to school one day,” says Robert. He hopes to study human rights and has already started advocating for other refugees.

“Refugees are people who are trying to take new steps in life,” says Robert. “We need hugs. We need a welcome. We are human beings looking for hope again.”

Because of you Robert and his family feel hopeful and safe. Thank you for helping him and so many other families this year.

Our very best,
The IRC Team



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