The Illustrated Memoir Project

Changing how refugees think about themselves and how the world thinks about refugees.

Our Approach

We work with immigrant and refugee youth to help them create their own unique illustrated memoirs and develop ways to share those books as educational resources.

Projects in East Africa

Since 2025 we have been running Illustrated Memoir Projects in Nakivale Refugee Settlement in Uganda. In 2027 we plan to expand to other settlements in East Africa.

Projects in the U.S.

Since 2019 we have been working with immigrant and refugee youth in the US through partnerships with public schools.

Documentaries

We currently have two documentaries in post-production.

A feature length film by Camillo Idrobo about the 2025 Aiken High School project and a short by Esther K. Sammy about the project in the Nakivale Refugee Settlement in 2026.

Exhibitions

Traveling exhibitions featuring a large collection of original artwork from the projects in the US and Africa have been shared in a variety of galleries, universities, and arts centers over the past three years.

Storytimes

Students who have completed memoirs through the project travel to schools and community centers to share their stories with other children.

Curriculum

We are currently working with partners in Ohio to develop a middle school world cultures curriculum based on a selection of memoirs from past projects.

  • "Within this program I learned that we can pick some wisdom and insights from the past, we can connect that to our present life, and use it to shape the future."

    Ori -2026 Nakivale Participant

  • "During this program I came to realize that our stories really matter, that our stories can impact someone else."

    —Yisa - 2026 Nakivale participant

  • "Some of us come from countries struck by war, some from countries struck by famine, but writing those experiences down reminds you of where you are coming from so no matter where you go you remember who you are."

    —Tolobert - 2026 Nakivale participant

  • "I would like to say thank you. You made me so creative, confident, and knowledgeable. I don't know how I will be without you."

    Yom - 2025 Nakivale participant