V’s Story

V grew up in a well-off household, attended university, and has held a job for most of their life. They recognize that they come from a place a privilege, and hopes to help others that have not had the opportunities that V has had. However, V can relate to being uprooted from one’s home and learning to adapt to a new place and culture.

“Every day I talk with refugees – people just like me – who have had to move on from their original home for some reason but did not choose to do so.

When I was 27 years old I went to live in Hungary. I did not speak the language. I did not understand the culture. I had two tiny children that I had to protect. I had to submit to a full humiliating body examination to ensure that I did not have leprosy. I was a second-class citizen. When I was 34 years old I went to live in Switzerland. I did not know the language. I did not understand the rules. I had three small children I had to protect. I was poor compared to everyone else who lived there. I was a second-class citizen. When I was 39 years old I went to live in Scotland. I did not understand what people said to me even when they spoke my own language. I had three children I had to look after. I was a Sassenach. I could not vote about independence. I was a second-class citizen. My small children are now adults. They are people of the world. They understand. They are our future.”

Stay tuned for more stories, profiles, and features on the website, from volunteers and refugees alike, to stay up-to-date on what Phone Credit for Refugees and Displaced People is doing to help refugees around the world.