Issue no. 14
December 2024 - March 2025
JUNCTIONS
Charles Shika Safina
1 story every 3 weeks from mid-December until late March
In this issue we explore junctions – the intersections where one experience terminates and gives way to another – through the writings and art of young people in Nakivale Refugee Settlement.
Akili Nestor Olengo navigates his emerging independence and the love he feels for his family while, after a harrowing journey, John Fadhili finds his way to safety and remembers the home he left behind. A chance encounter leads to opportunity and inspiration for Robert Ndasunikwa. Blandine Mulenga withstands ridicule and finds strength through the love of her mother, while deep betrayal bolsters faith for Nicole Bachoke. Franklin Rhushenge strengthens his resolve to resist temptation and Charles Shika Safina is saved by the forgiveness of a stranger. Rukia Seleman Bijoux traverses the line between opportunity and exploitation and Chrinovic Kabeya finds a second change in a singular miracle.
editor's note by Laura Moran
for now, I am happy to have my best friend called Charles
we knew we had to keep moving forward together
two explorations of survival
published on December 11
The young man in a refugee camp
I put my hand on John’s back, offering him some comfort
Robert Ndasunikwa
to appear on January 1
Friendship and poverty
Two sides of tears
I went home unhappy because of the words the woman said to me
but again, we survived
Blandine Mulenga
Nicole Bachoke
two explorations of betrayal
to appear on January 22
The proposition: for love or money
I started fighting with the two voices in my heart and I eventually defeated the voice of lust
Franklin Rhushenge
to appear on February 12
A little girl in the village
Amina was not fine, but she was determined
Rukia Seleman Bijoux
to appear on March 5
Suffering
when I was running I fell, and when I fell they caught me
Charles Shika Safina
Resilience of the heart and a second chance
this was to be my first time eating a good meal
Chrinovic Kabeya
two explorations of redemption
to appear on March 26
Junctions was curated by Laura Moran.
Stories were edited by Emily Kennedy, Fatima Raja, Marco Di Nunzio and Laura Moran.
Images were edited by Letizia Bonanno.