I believe that I will still get chance to return to my home country, the Democratic Republic of Congo. It has been almost a decade since I left after being persecuted for human rights activism. Back then, I had just joined a law firm and was happy to be closer to my dream of becoming a well-established advocate focusing on civil and human rights. As a part of my work, I was elected chairman of the commission responsible for the electoral process. Thus, during the presidential campaign, various politicians tried to persuade me to support them, but when I refused, I was arrested several times to prevent me from monitoring violations. Eventually, this is why I was tortured and, in the end, was almost killed by the hands of my persecutors. In fact, I was left on the shores of Lake Kivu as my persecutors thought I was already dead.  The next day, I found myself in the hospital without knowing how I got there, and later I managed to escape with the assistance of local Catholic priests. 

This happened in 2006, but I still remember how when I arrived in Tanzania and later to Kenya, everything was strange to me: the culture, the people, the spoken language, and even the weather. Immediately, when I arrived to Kenya, I was taken to Kakuma Refugee Camp, a place where no locals would choose to live. It is an extremely hot and dry place, well known for the local "fauna" of scorpions and snakes, and the prevalent diseases of malaria and diarrhea which are worsened by poor infrastructure and health facilities. Without doubt, it was difficult to live in those conditions alone, far from my family and friends. Many times, it seemed like we are put to a test: if we persevere in such conditions, we prove our status as refugees, and if not, state authorities assume we probably have a better place to go, to and thus we do not deserve the asylum. Personally, I can say that if I had somewhere else to go, I would not spend even a night in the camp, but unfortunately, I spent almost eight years there before I had the option to leave. 

The camp has neither a physical or economic infrastructure. Thus, employment is low and often refugees become the cheap labor at the same level as uneducated locals. Another option for employment is offered by international organizations in exchange for basic supplies. For example, we had the option of working in monitoring participation and attendance in high schools, but in exchange for receiving hygiene basics like soap instead of a regular salary. 

For me, it was painful to understand that, after everything I have done to receive my diploma, I needed to start from scratch, as my refugee's status did not allow me to practice law in Kenya. Therefore, it was clear that I did not have a full control over my destiny, but just needed to take advantage of small opportunities that may come in my way. One of these opportunities was returning to school. At first, I got the chance to learn English through "Windle Trust Kenya" and later, the Jesuit Refugee Services offered me to study online via Regis University. Through this decision, I managed to start a new chapter in my life.  

The ability to speak a new language – English, helped me to integrate into the Kenyan society more quickly. I could now offer my skills to Kenyans as an interpreter, and be accepted among elites around the camp. Moreover, I even became the teacher of Congolese French to some managers and high personnel in the camp who were in need of a second international language. Luckily, or even with the help of God, some of my "students" were promoted and acknowledged my contribution to adding French to their primary skills.

In these extreme conditions, sometimes the refugees managed to become creative. In this context, I came up with the idea of starting an English program, which accommodated refugees of all levels. With this program, I was able to improve the lives of many refugees and even to show an example of the impact of social entrepreneurship on the local community. Eventually, one of my students became the founder of "Happy for Life", a charity network dealing with children's rights and promoting quality education for Kenyan children living in the slums and others became more socially involved as well.  

This work enabled me to receive my scholarship to study at Glocal program in the Hebrew University and basically, to offer me a way out of the camp. However, I found my way back earlier than I thought. As a part of the Glocal program, I needed to look for potential internship placements for accomplishing my degree. When I started to look for internship opportunities, I was driven to choose Kenya specifically, as I wished to express my gratitude towards the asylum I was granted there for eight good years. 

Finally, in September 2015 I returned to Kenya, this time not for seeking asylum, but as a development practitioner. My work was located at "Homabay" and it focused in youth and women’s empowerment in an area which is considered one of the most affected by HIV/AIDS. Throughout my work, while I was dedicating my whole time to support local children at risk, I shared my story with many, and it became an example of the different destinies that refugees may have if they would be offered by the right opportunities. I wish that more people around the world would understand the potential of refugees. I truly hope that the awareness about successful migration and refugees will rise and that the prejudices about this population will be eradicated.

Finally, before I conclude, I want to remind us of the famous Roman phrase: "Today is me tomorrow, it may be you". This phrase is highly important when examining the contemporary origins of refugees. If we will look at my country for example, Congo (previously known as Zaire), was a stable country in 1990s and it hosted thousands of refugees from Burundi and Rwanda after the 1994 genocide. Unfortunately, back then, Zairians perceived the refugees as beggars and the local government did not introduce any policies for supporting this population. In the long run, the phenomenon of orphans and abandoned children grew growing up and becomingame gang members, armed robbers and local militias which became are one of the main causes of insecurity in Congo today.   

When looking at this case, there are several important lessons that should be illuminated. First, no one chooses to be a refugee. It is an imposed condition which results from a local danger. I can say from my personal experience that no one hates his home, but he only truly misses it when he is not allowed to return. As the refugees make the greatest sacrifice on their way to find a refuge, they need to be supported and not pushed back to return to their countries.   

More importantly, refugees have a great potential and should not be seen only as a burden. Often, they leave their countries when they are already certified lawyers, doctors, teachers, journalists or businessmen that just wait for the option to execute their skills. I can promise you that a refugee who is given an equal opportunity can do well and contribute to the well-being of his new country at least as much as a local can. Furthermore, their life journeys can make them more energetic, dedicated and creative in overcoming obstacles. I am convinced that the struggle I went through became the motivation for my current dedication to fighting atrocities, violence and corruption around the world.  

Lastly, refugees are not the cause of the problem, but rather the victims of the ongoing instability and violence in their home countries. Developed countries may punish them, incarcerate them, or despise them, but they will continue to arrive as long as they are in danger. The developed world must confront the root cause of the refugee crisis instead of punishing the victims who survived the atrocities.