In my years of speaking French, this phrase has been liberally applied to many scenarios, like when something is difficult, but on ‘se débrouille,’ or when there isn’t enough to go around but still, on ‘se débrouille,’ and when needing help with an onerous task, but left to work alone, ‘on se débrouille.’
In the case of Paul Mwingwa and his family, ‘se débrouiller’ has become their motto of dedication to their own success and integration. When forced to make the difficult decision to flee their home in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, when facing scarce resources in a refugee camp, and very little help in starting over in a new country, speaking a new language, and adapting to a new culture in Montana, Paul and his family ‘se débrouillent’ beautifully. Their story has reminded me of the grit and determination that are the foundations of the best countries, and an example of perseverance in establishing oneself. Working with newcomers is a constant reminder of the potential joy that comes from hard work, accomplishment, friendship, sharing, and self-actualization.”
This was my introduction to Paul Mwingwa’s story. The beginning of our friendship happened last year when I met Paul during Advocacy Days with Montana Legislative Representatives, Jon Tester, Steve Daines, and Matt Rosendale. Paul and I met during our preparation meetings, worked on meeting strategies, and then worked as a team with IRC representatives to present the case for supporting a higher presidential determination number and a faster road to citizenship for new Americans.
Our friendship in Advocacy Days resulted in an invitation to conduct an interview and meet Paul’s amazing wife and three darling daughters. I learned a lot about their family dynamics and personal philosophy of chipping away at every problem of resettlement with the concept of “se debrouiller.” Little by little Paul and his wife have moved their family forward in work, schooling, and integrating into their community. They adapted to the bitter cold and snow of Montana winters and kept working even if it meant walking miles in the snow. They saved and patiently waited for years to build their credit to buy a home (I received the invitation to their house warming party in August). They have ‘Se débrouiller’ for their own integration, then turned their work ethic for helping incoming refugees; knowing the Mwingwa family is a privilege.
Helping ITPs Succeed: Insights from Leading Support Programs
Partner Profile: No One Left Behind
Their Story is Our Story and No One Left Behind (NOLB) joined forces in 2025 to launch the StoryShield program.
We spoke with Matthew Marcellus, Director of Communications with NOLB, and asked what the partnership with TSOS has meant for his organization and their Afghan clients.
Context with Layma
Social media presents us with an endless scroll of headlines and ‘hot takes’. What’s often missing is context. What is the history that led up to an event? Whose interests are served by a certain policy? What effects is that policy having on people’s lives? Layma Murtaza produces and hosts the video series “Context with Layma”, featured on Their Story is Our Story’s social media channels. We spoke to her about the context of her own life, as an Afghan-American and a professional in humanitarian aid, that led her to use storytelling to illuminate the personal and political context behind the headlines.