Three hopeful stories if you were inspired by the resilience of Encanto’s Mirabel
As well as being a celebration of Colombian culture and traditions, Encanto also tells the story of resilience in the face of danger and displacement – a story too familiar to children and families, all over the world.
Did you know a quarter of the world's children live in in countries affected by conflict or disaster? Like the Madrigal’s, who were fleeing violence in the movie, every day 37,000 people are forced to leave their homes in search of safety and a better life for their children.
World Vision is working in the most dangerous places to help children caught in a trap of extreme vulnerability and violence, achieve their God-given potential.
Meet three children displaced by conflict, hunger and uncertainty who – like Mirabel - may not have magic, but are helping build stronger communities with their own special gifts…
Fatima, 18-years-old, Activist for Girls and Women’s Rights
Even though it’s extremely dangerous in her culture, Fatimah speaks out against child marriage and the importance of girls completing their educations. Just like any teen, her go-to platforms are Facebook and Instagram, where she connects with other young women to support them and give them tools to find help in abusive situations.
As a resident of Aleppo, her family was among the first to flee the deadly conflict in Syria in 2011. She’s now spent a decade -more than half her young life - as a refugee. Sadly, Fatima’s passion for girls’ rights is born from her first-hand experience. She was just 14 when she was married and soon afterwards, had a child herself.
Fatima realised that social media groups were a great way to spread the word and reach girls not just from Syria, but all over the world. In the groups, she warns girls and young women about following traditions and customs that encourage child marriage and discusses the impacts of child marriage- from dropping out of school to teenage pregnancies and beyond.
Danny, 14 years old, Challenging Stereotypes About Venezuelan Immigrants
When the economy collapsed in Venezuela, Danny’s family made the long journey to Colombia in search of a better, more prosperous life. Leaving behind a home that had a big kitchen, a bathroom with running shower, and even 4 air conditioners. Danny now bathes with a bucket and his mother cooks in a tiny makeshift kitchen. Danny is passionate about using his voice and skills as a young journalist to challenge stereotypes that exist around immigrants from Venezuela so kids just like him grow to their fullest potential in their new, adopted home.
From 3:33 - 5:15: https://storyhub.wvi.org/archive/World-Refugee-Day-2019--Colombia-20MDHU7UBL0K.html
Young Sudanese rappers using music to educate people in BidiBidi Refugee Settlement about COVID-19
After fleeing unimaginable violence in Sudan, these young refugees have started a new life in Uganda’s BidiBidi Refugee Settlement. To help keep their new community safe from COVID-19, they came up with a unique way of spreading important messages about hygiene and social distancing – music! By recording their raps and playing them at community events, these young musicians have spread the word about COVID-19 to parts of the community that otherwise might not be reached.
https://storyhub.wvi.org/archive/-WV-HH-COVID-19-Impact-Video-V2--Donate-CTA----5-June-2020---Landscape---ENG-SUB-20M5S90LY8QV.html
Not all of us have magical powers, but we have the power to help dreams come true for displaced children around the world.
Hear more stories and learn about the work that World Vision is doing to help children living in dangerous places survive, recover, and build a future here.