Sarah arrived in Hong Kong as a minor, (now over 18), from East Africa
Sarah was still a minor when a militia group raided her house in a war zone in East Africa. She witnessed when members of her family were brutally killed. She survived, but at the price of being raped several times. When there was a chance, she escaped and with some help got on a plane and left her country. She did not really know where she was going as it was her first time on a plane. She arrived in Hong Kong and applied for refugee protection. She has been waiting more than 6 years for her interview and still has no status. When she joined RUN, she barely spoke English and seldom left her house as she was too scared. Now she is a proud hiker and runner, studies English and has made friends across the Hong Kong community. Sarah says that RUN has given her her life back.
Sophia from East-Central Africa
Sophia lived in a war zone when she was sexually abused at a young age, and was then put in prison as she was considered responsible for what had happened to her. She was tortured in prison, but later released after her baby passed away. She could not stay in her own country as her personal safety was at risk and fled to Hong Kong. She spent several months in detention when she arrived here while her claim was being assessed. She was even handcuffed to her hospital bed when she was sick due to the consequences of her wounds. Today she has refugee protection, and is slowly recovering. She can only relax when she is out hiking, and loves every step in nature.
Oscar from East Africa
Oscar was being pressured by his home country's government to take on some political opinions that he disagreed with, and to which, even under heavy torture, he did not agree. A short respite from the torture gave him the chance to flee to safety with his wife and children. They left with only the clothes on their backs, before the worst could happen to them. Today he runs and swims with RUN, and will start studying soon. He is grateful to be safe in Hong Kong, and with RUN's support, is working on getting started on a new life.