Shining the Unseen Light: Bringing Healing Through Yoga to Refugees Often Left Behind

In refugee settlements, resilience is not just a word—it is survival. Yet for some, the path to healing is even harder. Among them are people who are too often unseen: those living with disabilities, women who have endured gender-based violence, people with albinism, and members of the LGBT community. These groups face double rejection first by displacement, and again by stigma within their own communities.

At Nakujali Foundation, we believe no one should walk this journey of healing alone. This is why we launched The Unseen Light Project, a yoga-based initiative that shines hope into the lives of those who need it most.

Why the Unseen Light Project?

For many refugees, trauma comes not only from the conflicts and crises that forced them to flee their homes, but also from the discrimination and isolation they encounter in their new environments. Women suffering from GBV are silenced. Persons with disabilities are overlooked. Those with albinism are stigmatized. And members of the LGBT community are pushed into hiding.

The Unseen Light Project was created to respond to this urgent need—to give these “unseen” groups a safe space for healing, empowerment, and dignity.

How Yoga Creates Change

Yoga is more than movement; it is a practice of reclaiming peace and strength. For those who have experienced rejection and trauma, yoga offers:

• Emotional Healing: Providing a safe environment to process trauma and rebuild inner peace.

• Physical Relief: Reducing pain, tension, and stress caused by displacement and neglect.

• Community Support: Creating circles of care where participants know they are not alone.

• Empowerment: Restoring confidence and reminding each person of their worth and dignity.

Impact So Far

Since its launch, the Unseen Light Project has:

• Reached dozens of refugees from marginalized groups with free yoga sessions.

• Offered a safe and inclusive space where participants could share their experiences without fear of rejection.

• Inspired women survivors of GBV to speak out and begin healing.

• Built bridges of acceptance and compassion among groups who were once silenced.

For many, the mat became more than a place of practice—it became a place of belonging.

Looking Ahead

The Unseen Light Project is just the beginning. Nakujali Foundation is committed to expanding this initiative so that no refugee, regardless of who they are, ever feels invisible again. With the right support, we aim to reach more communities, train more yoga facilitators, and build spaces dedicated to trauma healing and inclusion.