15/04/2026
As the daughter of immigrants who chose to leave Kenya during the Africanisation period—driven by uncertainty and fear about what the future might hold—I often find myself reflecting on the way we talk about migration today.
In my opinion, there are so many conversations around bias, economics, and what it means for us as taxpayers. But behind those debates are real people—individuals who have had to leave everything they know in search of safety, stability, and hope. That human perspective is something we can’t afford to lose.
With everything happening in the world right now, and having friends who have recently had to make difficult decisions about what their future—and their lives—might look like, I’ve seen firsthand the weight of pre-flight anxiety and stress. That period before leaving, filled with uncertainty, fear, and impossible choices, is something that often goes unseen but is deeply felt.
That’s why this CPD session really resonated with me: Beyond Trauma: Adversity-Activated Development in Refugee and Asylum Support.
The session introduced the powerful concept of Adversity Activated Development (AAD), developed by Renos Papadopoulos. It challenges us to look beyond trauma alone and instead recognise the potential for resilience, growth, and meaning—even in the face of profound adversity.
With over 117 million people displaced globally due to conflict, persecution, and violence, it’s more important than ever to shift the narrative. Not just seeing refugees and asylum seekers through the lens of victimhood, but recognising their strength, identity, and lived experiences, as people seeking safety.
We explored the three stages of displacement—pre-flight, flight, and post-flight—and how each stage represents not just physical movement, but a deep disruption of identity. This isn’t a choice; it’s a necessity. It’s about leaving behind community, familiarity, and support systems, and navigating the complexities of integrating into a completely new culture—often in isolation.
This session was a powerful reminder that the way we approach and support displaced individuals matters. It’s about dignity, understanding, and creating space for growth, integration—not just survival.
What are your thoughts?
