A journey of forgiveness and new beginnings

In April 2024, during our peer mentorship sessions at Layibi Corner, we met Aber Caroline, a 20-year-old living with three friends while working at a local restaurant. Caroline is the second daughter of Acola Agnes and Okello-Tye Innocent. In 2023, she left her family’s home in Dog nam village, Jerusalem cell, Kitgum Matidi, after facing a series of challenging circumstances.

Caroline’s family endured significant hardships when her father lost his job, was convicted, and served five years in prison. During this difficult period, her mother became the sole breadwinner, struggling to support the family while caring for their eldest daughter, who suffers from epilepsy. The family moved from Gulu town to the village to reduce costs, but adjusting to village life was tough. The children experienced food shortages, dropped out of school, and had to work long hours in the garden. They clung to the hope that their father’s return would change things. However, when he came back, he was jobless and suffered from bone complications, which only deepened their struggles. “Returning in my state broke them even more. They lost hope and respect for me. Anything I said didn’t matter because I couldn’t provide for them,” said their father.

This situation took a toll on their mother, who became overwhelmed by her double responsibilities. She often took her frustrations out on Caroline, the eldest healthy child, expecting her to take responsibility for her siblings and all the household chores. The constant tension led to frequent arguments, making Caroline’s home life unbearable. Eventually, she left home without informing anyone and returned to Gulu, where she worked odd jobs to survive, living alone and without any guardian.

In May 2024, Caroline attended a peer mentorship session organised by Hashtag Gulu at Layibi Corner, invited by a friend. She found comfort in hearing others’ stories and realised that many girls had faced similar or even worse situations. The mentors emphasised the importance of forgiveness as a path to inner peace, a lesson Caroline took to heart. She decided to forgive her mother and reached out to her younger sister, who had also left home. Together, they forgave their mother, accepted their circumstances, and sought to repair their family relationships.

When Caroline and her sister returned home, they were warmly welcomed. They had a heartfelt discussion with their parents, who forgave them and found joy in reuniting. Caroline has since developed an interest in agriculture and, with Hashtag Gulu’s support, enrolled in a piggery course. She now aspires to become a veterinary doctor. With her parents’ approval, she joined Hashtag Gulu’s team of agricultural trainees at Paicho Farm. “We have vast farmland and space for Caro to practice her agricultural skills, and if it means having her reintegrated home, that would be my greatest wish come true,” said her mother.

We at Hashtag Gulu Initiative look forward to seeing Caroline succeed in this new chapter of her life.