For many migrant workers leaving your country means a lot of uncertainty, but for Edz Casamillo from the Philippines it’s totally different. For the last two years Zagreb, Croatia, has become a familiar place that feels like home, where she can pursue her dreams. Even though migrating has its difficulties Edz is determined to make…
“I always wanted to leave, but not permanently.” George Abdushaibea (20) came from Bethlehem to Zagreb on a scholarship, in order to develop more as a person. “The end goal is to go back to Bethlehem.“ When he looks back to his time in Palestine, he misses the culture: “We’re just so loud and happy,…
A yellow dress can brighten Lana’s entire day. She can transform old jeans into a backpack. A broken washing machine is simple challenge for her waiting to be solved. The 43-year-old woman from Zagreb moves through life with endless persistence and creativity, always searching for beauty in unexpected places. “I get bored of sadness,” she…
Mary Jay Javier (36) migrated to Croatia around seven years ago from the Philippines. Her aunt asked if she would like to become a housekeeper in Croatia, and Mary agreed. She wanted to experience something new in her life. She becomes emotionally moved when I ask about her journey to Europe and grabs a tissue.…
Tuomo Leppänen, a 50 year old dad, and green technology IT professional, has many hobbies, such as: Japanese swordsmanship, making music, photography, and even collecting and restoring vintage radios. He also happens to have a rare illness. Tuomo grew up in the small city of Lahti in Finland about 100 kilometers north from the capital…
For Michelle, working as a psychologist with recovering addicts is especially close to herheart, since she also suffered from an eating disorder, an addiction that often goes unnoticed in a culture obsessed with thinness. Her ED flew under the radar until she went to university, and she describes it as an obsession that no one…
As a recovered drug and alcohol addict, David has devoted himself to offering otheraddicts a better chance at life through Reset, an organization aimed at providing people who are struggling with addiction the tools and the safe space they need to recover. With complete candor and an open heart, David reflects on his life before…
Scarlett (21) is a bright and optimistic youngster who has discovered true happiness in Betonne Jeugd, an Belgian organization dedicated to supporting young individuals who are facing difficulties with their homes or schools. For the last eight years, Scarlett has become a part of what she refers to as her “second, crazy family”. Through this…
Nick is a determined and accomplished painter who refused to let anyone tell him he couldn’t succeed. Though he struggled with loneliness and difficult family relationships for many years, Nick found a healthy outlet in making music and eventually found support through Betonne Jeugd. With the help of the organization, Nick has learned to manage…
Cindy (32) – social, humorous, powerful. She has the power to go on no matter how difficult life gets, and she tries to see the positive things about every situation. “I felt very small and I didn’t believe in myself but then after a time, I became stronger and stronger. For me, that’s my way.“…
