Refugee Awareness Night
Refugee Awareness Night:
What does a powerful experience, heart-pounding African dancing and soul-stirring singing have in common?
They were all part of Journey of Hope: The Refugee Experience, an unforgettable evening dedicated to raising awareness and celebrating resilience. This event was held in American Fork, Utah, brought together community members, performers, and social impact change-makers. All wanting to learn more about the challenges—and triumphs—of refugees both locally and across the globe.
The keynote speaker?
Dr. Grace F. Nkundabantu, shared some of her personal story and experiences. She shared about the inspiration behind founding African Girls Hope Foundation in 2018.
African Girls Hope Foundation helps some of the most vulnerable girls in the world, refugee girls in Sub-Saharan Africa. Dr. Nkundabantu has a deep reservoir of experiences to share in assisting refugees, helping to build hope and providing a path of future dreams through self-reliance.
Dr. Grace Faraja speaking in Utah
Her mission?
To empower refugee girls in Sub-Saharan Africa by ensuring they not only attend school but stay in school all the way through graduation. Her journey from refugee to nonprofit founder is one of strength, purpose, and unstoppable passion—and when she sang, it wasn’t just a performance, it was a call to action. Her voice rang out in a clear call to share more hope.
The night also featured a high-energy performance by BYU’s African dance group that had the crowd clapping along, and a powerful presentation by board member Sam Lee, who broke down the refugee journey—what it really takes to rebuild a life in a new country. From basic needs to self reliance, he educated the audience on the very real needs faced by refugees in Utah and beyond. The evening blended fun, culture, and heartfelt truth, leaving every guest inspired to get involved, support, and spread awareness.
The journey of hope isn't a one-night event, it's a path of building friendship and community.
For many, hope is suffocated when daily survival is the only option. Join African Girls Hope Foundation as we stand up for the hopeless, and create a path of hope for refugee girls through education. Every girls deserves the chance to graduate and discover the dreams self-reliance can offer.