Joice Poni became a refugee in December 2016. She never imagined that she would be in this situation. “We had recently been in war for a long time, and I thought that real peace had come,” she said.

The South Sudanese people had fought for independence for decades. Once a peace deal had been brokered and independence had been achieved, Joice thought that the years of violence were behind them.

But civil war broke out again and Joice’s life was turned upside down.

“I appreciate the help of the donors for us as refugees who are suffering. May God add them more blessings,” Joice Poni said.

Joice gathered her family and fled to Uganda. Now, she found herself in a new place, surrounded by strangers, and not sure how she would provide for her children. “When I first arrived, things seemed difficult. The place was forested and there was no water for domestic use. I was in a dilemma because I had left all my wealth back home. If it weren’t for my children, I would have returned to Kajo Keji (her home area in South Sudan).”

Joice and her family received some land and rations from the UN. But it wasn’t enough. She would look for opportunities to earn a little cash to pay school fees and buy medications and soap.

As the years went by, the help Joice received from the UN became less and less. She was stressed wondering how she would provide for her family.

One day, Joice’s neighbour told her that someone was coming the next day to give out seeds. “My life has really improved because the seeds I got have helped my family in many ways. I have obtained peace in my heart and with my partner,” Joice said.

“I managed to plant the seeds, and it grew well. That has enabled me to get Sh 200,000 ($75) from sumuka wiki (collards) and I can now pay my children’s school fees, change our diet, and buy medication and soap for washing our clothes. I have even purchased more tomato seeds,” Joice enthused. “My family and I are thinking of planting more sukuma wiki because I benefited a lot from it.”

“I appreciate the help of the donors for us as refugees who are suffering. May God add them more blessings,” Joice said.