I feel a deep sense of accomplishment when we manage to steal small moments of joy. It’s our own way of resisting genocide. The psychosocial activities that the children and our entire team take part in might seem like a luxury in the middle of genocide, hunger, and a lack of water and basic necessities. But the children’s laughter, the smiles of our staff and volunteers, these are rays of light that brighten our souls and our path. They remind us that there is still space for life, action and hope. I believed we might never be able to laugh again. But we did, and this time, it was from the heart.

I share these photos with thanks to our dedicated psychosocial projects coordinator, Kanaan, and for our partners for being still able to give, to create joy, and to fill our spirits with energy we need to keep moving forward.

With my sweet niece and nephew, Maryam and Abood