The Will to Survive

Golden Rule Moments: The will to survive published in AzCentral

Dr. Albert Celoza

Special to The Republic

Arizona has settled over 100,000 refugees since 1980 and has been consistently among the top reception states. Refugees are people who have been forced to leave their home countries due to war, violence, or persecution through an orderly vetting process coordinated by the United States government with international organizations and local non-profit organizations. Though the years they have contributed to the community in many ways, including socially, culturally, and economically

The will to survive is strongly ingrained in the character of refugees fleeing for safety. Rose Mapendo, one of the many refugees who fled to Arizona brought other distinguishing values – her deep Christian faith, abiding forgiveness for the very people who have inflicted harm on her and her family and a deep desire to help other women who were in the same predicament.

Rose Mapendo, a refugee recognized with the Strengthening Families International Golden Rule Award by Arizona Interfaith Movement. Provided by Rose Mapendo and Dr. Albert Celoza

Violence and conflict among different tribes and groups continue to this very day in the country where Rose was born. The confluence of colonialism, tribal conflict and the armed struggle for power and wealth plagued this region with constant instability and violence. Having cattle, a small business and a community, Rose’s family led peaceful lives. This life was suddenly transformed when Rose and her family were awakened one night and were arrested.

Her children were taken to a military camp, detained without food and water for days. She gave up herself and her seven children with the thought that the soldiers would not harm them. Her husband, who had hidden during the time of their captivity, was eventually taken and killed by the military. Her one daughter was subjected to sexual abuse and rape. While in captivity, Rose gave birth to twins and as a gesture of forgiveness, she named them after the camp commanders who were also her tormentors. Why were they subjected to cruel and inhumane treatment? Because they come from a different tribe; they were considered the ‘other’.

When all seemed lost, Rose’s heart remained steadfast. Even as she endured imprisonment and witnessed the unthinkable, she held onto a glimmer of hope. Rose continued to believe that everything was God’s plan and that eventually people were created to be happy. Rose said, ‘God made me a woman, a mother and a Tutsi from the Banya Mulenge’. The acceptance of her fate and trying experiences shaped not only her strength but also her yearning to help others. Upon escaping to a refugee camp, Rose encountered countless women and children who had similarly suffered from violence and loss. Instead of succumbing to despair, she chose to be their voice.

Rose understood the importance of compassion and support — principles that echoed the Golden Rule: Treat others as you wish to be treated. She was driven by the desire to uplift those suffering. She taught women how to support themselves, shared stories of survival, and provided resources to heal from the trauma they endured. She showed them that their lives mattered and that, together, they could foster change.

The Arizona Interfaith Movement recognized Rose Mapendo’s work to help other widowed women and left to struggle by themselves and their children, counsel families devastated by brutality, and support refugees from the region as deserving of the Strengthening Families International Golden Rule Award.

To learn more about the efforts of Rose Mapendo, visit https://rosemapendofoundation.org/.

Albert Celoza, Ph.D. is the executive director of Arizona Interfaith Movement.