People holding hands.

David's story

Escaping violence and finding hope across the border in Uganda.

David was born in Rwanda and fled with his family to Uganda to escape violence.   

“There was a war in Rwanda that lasted for several days,” says David’s mother. “After the war, the killings continued in silence. Unknown people would come to our house at night asking for my husband. We knew they would take him, and he would never return. This constant fear made us feel trapped. We decided to run.” 

The journey was tough: “We walked day and night, nowhere was safe.” Eventually, they reached the Tanzanian border. With no documents, they managed to enter, but her husband was attacked, and their few remaining possessions were stolen. 

“Arriving in Tanzania, we didn’t find refuge because we were being hunted,” says David’s mother. Sleeping by the roadside and relying on locals for survival, they finally reached a refugee settlement in Uganda. “We were welcomed by everyone we met, and they guided us to the settlement.” 

A boy smiling

David, only two at the time, remembers little of the journey, but the memories that remain have stayed with him. “We had to cover his mouth to keep him quiet during the walk,” his mother explains. “We sometimes met soldiers who wanted to hurt us.” 

“All this had a lasting effect on him,” she continues. “When we arrived, he seemed unhappy and didn’t want to play. He would just stand there, like a doll, as if he was sick.” 

But since David joined TeamUp at school, his mother has seen changes. “He tells me about the games and songs he’s learned. He’s much more talkative and loves his friends.” 

A Team Up session taking place in Uganda.

David himself says, “I feel good about TeamUp. I love singing, playing football, and jump rope. They asked me to lead them.” 

And lead he does. At the end of each school day, David gathers the children outside. “Follow the leader, I am the leader!” he shouts, and the children follow him down the hill, through the school gates, and into a field. 

Each session focuses on themes like anger or trust. “Some learn quickly, others don’t,” David says. “After the sessions, we play together to teach those who need help.” 

“Before TeamUp, I used to insult and fight other children. I was disobedient to my parents and hated school. Since joining TeamUp, I’ve learned to behave better. I no longer have bad thoughts.”