Whitaker Peace & Development Initiative
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At 23, Awatif Hamed Brima Mohammed arrived in Uganda after fleeing violence in Sudan with her family. Like many refugees forced to start over in a new country, Awatif faced a language barrier that made it difficult to communicate, access opportunities, and build connections in her new community.
As the Kiryandongo Refugee Settlement welcomed people displaced by conflict from across the region, including Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, WPDI adapted to meet the evolving needs of refugee communities by launching English language classes that helped newcomers connect, communicate, and begin rebuilding their lives.
For Awatif, that first English class became a gateway to peacebuilding training, entrepreneurship support, vocational skills development, and new opportunities to shape her future.
With UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency projecting that 136 million people are expected to be forcibly displaced or stateless in 2026, Awatif's story reminds us that behind every statistic is a person with dreams, resilience, and the determination to start again.
This , we stand with Awatif and every refugee seeking not only safety, but the opportunity to thrive. 🕊️
06/12/2026
As we make our way through 2026, we're taking a moment to reflect on the people, partnerships, and progress that have shaped the first half of the year.
In our Spring Newsletter, you'll discover the first episode of Forest Whitaker's new podcast series, Global Voices. Shared Humanity, featuring the story of Evelyn Laruni, WPDI Uganda's Country Coordinator, whose journey from growing up in Northern Uganda to leading WPDI's peacebuilding and empowerment programs offers a powerful perspective on resilience, leadership, and lasting peace.
You'll also read the story of Fatoumata Souane, whose business, Madoudinette, continues to grow following her participation in WPDI France's Women's Livelihood Program.
This edition also offers a look inside our 2025 Annual Report, Transforming Challenges Into Change, which found that 96.4% of community leaders report WPDI is making a lasting impact in their communities.
From community-led change to the partnerships helping make it possible, these stories remind us that lasting peace begins with investing in people.
Read the Spring Newsletter: https://www.wpdi.org/news/stories-of-leadership-resilience-and-opportunity-wpdis-spring-newsletter/
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17777 Center Court Drive, Suite 600
Cerritos, CA
9070390012
Opening Hours
| Monday | 9am - 5pm |
| Tuesday | 9am - 5pm |
| Wednesday | 9am - 5pm |
| Thursday | 9am - 5pm |
| Friday | 9am - 5pm |
