I’m a product of the Global Village Project;
A product of an all-refugee girls’ education.
Girls’ education, not because we can’t learn with boys,
But because we were left behind while our societies were busy
Training our brothers and male cousins to take up more space.
Because when push came to shove, our parents, with their meager resources,
Often chose to prioritize our brothers.
While our parents and communities were busy pouring into them,
Preparing them to be the future leaders of our communities, countries, and institutions,
We were trained to be just wives, mothers, and homemakers.
Without debate, these are powerful and impactful roles indeed—
But not when your whole existence revolves around them alone.
Not when it’s all you are reduced to,
When you might have been created for more.
Not when you’re deprived of the freedom to choose.
Not when, given the chance,
You could outperform all brothers and male cousins in their roles.
If given the opportunity, you could become the reason your family escapes poverty;
The reason children in your community gain access to education and healthcare;
The force that brokers a sustainable peace deal for your region;
The one who bridges the chasm between your country and foreigners;
The woman who frees the minds of the youth in your community.
But how could you actualize any of this when you’re confined to being merely a wife, mother, and homemaker?
The worst part is finding yourself in your new home, the promised land,
Watching policymakers perpetuate the overbearing limitations placed on you at birth!
You’re baffled because this new home is supposed to be a promised land,
Where all dreams become reality,
Where the pursuit of happiness isn’t just wishful thinking.
Well, at least they gave you access to education!
But they kept you stagnant in public classrooms,
Until you lose hope and quit.
Delivering on the dreams of your great-great-grandfathers and generations after—
To be merely wives and mothers.
Without a doubt, powerful roles, but not when they come without the space for more!
I am a product of the Global Village Project,
The American school that truly understood the assignment!
Giving girls with refugee backgrounds in America a space to catch up!
A safe space for self-exploration,
Self-identification,
The prerequisite for self-actualization!
A place where girls who were forced into womanhood prematurely
Get to release their inhibitions and reconnect with their inner child,
Get to daydream again,
Get to dream again!
Get excited again!
Get to release laughter from deep in the belly,
Get to envision a future they wish for
And set out to attain it!
Prepared to face distractions yet not be distracted!
Encouraged not to be detoured by deterrents!
Equipped to overcome the adversities that conveniently followed them into their new home!
Empowered to speak out and up for themselves and their sisters.
I am a product of GVP,
Where I went from barely reading in English at a second-grade level
To transition out of school reading at a high-school level three years later.
Going on to graduate from high school as a Valedictorian,
Becoming a Bonner Scholar at Berry College,
Completing my Master’s degree as the commencement speaker,
Now working on building peace and empowering those who are where I once was!
I am a product of the Global Village Project!
Where dreams of a golden future are made to happen,
Where people care and make refugee girls’ dreams come true.
This poem was inspired by the GVP gala I attended, celebrating 15 years of the Global Village Project. Watching the girls on stage, I saw my younger self in them, and it deeply moved me. I’ve been reflecting on the experience, searching for the right words to express it alongside the photos from the event. Finally, I found them.