Saadiah Abdullah worked with the Humanitarian Collaborative as part of the research team, contributing to work with refugee communities and children.

Q: What was most meaningful to you about working on the evaluation and with refugee populations?
“What was most meaningful to me was seeing children who often grow up feeling restricted have the freedom to express themselves through photography. It was powerful to watch them share their perspectives and be listened to without judgment.”

Q: What did you learn, or how did you grow, during the research process?
“I did not expect this experience to have such a deep impact on me. I learned that children can carry burdens that make them seem older than their age, and that behind their silence are experiences that deserve to be heard.”

Q: What would you recommend to organizations considering working with researchers with lived experience?
“I believe lived experiences hold perspectives that others may never fully understand. I encourage organizations to give people with lived experiences the opportunity to document and share their own experiences.”

Q: What are you working on now, or what would you most like to work on next?
“I am currently a member of a refugee committee advocating for the rights of marginalized groups under Jesuit Refugee Service, and I am also involved with Sawiyan. I see myself continuing to work with refugee communities and reminding the world that refugees are human beings.”