Phial Dubula Gak, 22, grew up in South Sudan. Today, he is a trauma healing peacemaker and youth leader whose life has been transformed through World Renew’s Trauma Healing and Peacebuilding training. He speaks both Nuer, the language of his tribe, and Kakwa and is recognized for his courage and commitment to serving others in his community.
In the past, he served his community with, he admits, limited skills in leadership, problem-solving, and peacemaking. This lack of experience led him to act from a tribal perspective. In February 2019, he helped incite a conflict between Nuer and Kakwa community members in the settlement. Dubula became physically involved in the fighting and showed no signs of remorse for his actions. At the time, he did not realize that his violence could cause unrest and trauma for innocent people. When given opportunities to lead, he became a perpetrator of tribal conflict rather than an advocate for peace and coexistence.
Trauma Healing Peacemaker Learns New Leadership Skills
A few months later, Dubula was selected to participate in World Renew’s Trauma Healing and Peacebuilding training. Through the program, he learned the qualities of effective leadership and discovered how peacebuilding, compassion, and integrity can help transform communities.
In his own words:
“I have learnt problem solving skills and the different methods of conflict management, how to treat others with respect and love, so as to demonstrate God’s love. My life has completely changed from perpetrator of conflict to a change maker.”
The training equipped Dubula with practical conflict resolution skills and a renewed understanding of how leaders can foster reconciliation and healing.
From Conflict Instigator to Community Leader
Today, Dubula lives in the Bidibidi Refugee Settlement, where he serves as Vice Youth Representative in the Council of the Refugee Welfare System. His desire to serve others, combined with his new commitment to compassion and peace, led community members to recognize his leadership potential.
Dubula has come to appreciate the importance of mediation, negotiation, and coordinating activities among young people. He has committed himself to overcoming tribalism, including stereotypes and prejudice against other tribes.
Looking ahead, he hopes to support people who have experienced trauma and to be an agent of forgiveness within his community by putting into practice what he has learned through trauma healing and peacebuilding training.
World Renew’s Commitment to Refugees
Stories like Dubula’s demonstrate the lasting impact of trauma healing, peacebuilding, and leadership development in refugee communities. By equipping individuals with the skills to resolve conflict, build relationships, and support others, World Renew is helping create safer, more resilient communities where hope can take root.
Through its International Disaster Response work, World Renew remains committed to walking alongside refugees and displaced people around the world. Through programs that support peacebuilding, livelihoods, mental health, and community development, World Renew empowers people affected by conflict and crisis to rebuild their lives, strengthen their communities, and contribute to a more peaceful future.
