A Brighter Tomorrow: Jerry’s Story of Learning and Resilience

A New Beginning in a Foreign Land

When Jerry and his family arrived in Thailand in 2013, they had little more than hope. Fleeing religious persecution in Pakistan, they sought safety and a fresh start. But the reality of life as a refugee in Thailand was far from easy. Without knowledge of the Thai language and with limited job opportunities, their first years were filled with uncertainty. Financial struggles made it difficult to pay rent, access medical care, or even put food on the table. On top of these challenges, the trauma of displacement weighed heavily on their mental well-being.

The Struggles of Displacement

“In the beginning, it was so difficult. We didn’t know where to go or how to survive,” Jerry recalls. “We had no income, no language skills, and very little support. It affected not only our financial situation but also our mental health.”

The stress of uncertainty and isolation took a toll on the entire family. Without stability, it was hard to imagine a future. But things began to change when Jerry connected with the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) in Thailand.

The Power of Support and Community

JRS Urban Refugee Project (URP) provided financial assistance to help cover medical expenses for his mother and sister. But beyond financial aid, JRS introduced Jerry to mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) activities that would help him heal. Through structured workshops and community-building exercises, he learned techniques to manage stress, process trauma, and regain a sense of control.

“I participated in activities that helped me calm my mind and reduce my stress. Before, I used to feel overwhelmed, but these exercises taught me how to manage my emotions,” he says. “JRS didn’t just support us financially; they gave us hope.”

Education and Skill-Building for the Future

With renewed confidence, Jerry took steps to improve his future. He joined Urban Education Project (UEP), where he learned to speak and write Thai, making daily life much easier, he trained in graphic design, learning skills in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop. This training opened new doors, leading to an internship that further enhanced his abilities.

“The internship helped me learn practical skills like Excel, PowerPoint, and graphic design,” he explains. “Before this, I had zero knowledge in these areas, but now I feel like I have something to build on.”

A Path Forward

Today, life for Jerry is far from what it was in 2013. He is more confident, independent, and hopeful for the future. With his newfound skills, he dreams of becoming a professional graphic designer—an opportunity not yet possible in Thailand but one he hopes to pursue in another country.

“Right now, I work in food delivery, and knowing Thai has made a huge difference,” he says. “But my real dream is to be a graphic designer. If I can move to another country where I have more opportunities, I know I can make it happen.”

Through the support of JRS Thailand, Jerry and many others like him have found not just assistance, but a community that uplifts and empowers. Their resilience and determination are a testament to the power of hope and solidarity in the face of adversity.

“For anyone facing struggles like mine, I would say: focus on what you can control and reach out for help. There are people who care. And never give up.”