In conversation with Root of Generations Executive Director Grace Dorong: A story of resilience, advocacy, and hope

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Grace shares her remarkable journey of living and growing up in Kenya's Kakuma Refugee Camp. Enduring separation from her family, she confronted many hardships, including food scarcity, gender-based violence, and the pervasive indoor air pollution stemming from charcoal and wood cooking fuels. Dorong explains, "Because of very hot sunshine, people cook inside the house, so you see that the plastic sheets are turning black on the inside. And sometimes, you can see that black thing hanging and falling on you... When you get out in the morning, you feel like your nose is growing smaller inside, especially when it's cold, you feel like your chest is growing smaller, and the air spaces are being closed. I realized later on that many people who are facing the same challenges are those who are using these methods of cooking."
 

These struggles fueled her determination to establish Root of Generations (ROG), a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering communities in her home country of South Sudan. Grace also throws light on the transformative power of solar cooking in supporting women and girls. Tune in to learn how your support of SCI is helping to amplify Grace’s voice and empower more people living in Kakuma with access to solar cooking.