Refugee Boy

Content Warning: This section of the guide discusses graphic violence, racism, anti-immigrant bias, and the emotional distress of refugees related to familial separation and loss.



Zephaniah uses EAST, the East African Solidarity Trust, as a motif that represents peace and unity. Alem’s mother started the organization, hoping to create a place that focuses on “unifying the various tribes” in Eritrea and Ethiopia (111). However, because of the war, the offices in Ethiopia and Eritrea shut down, leaving the London office as the only operating part of the organization. Although Alem does not know a lot about the organization, he connects it to the memory of his mother and decides that he should always “promote her dream” of peace (211). The presence of EAST in London shows Alem that there are people like his mother who want to help those in need and do not want to “sit back and watch [Ethiopians and Eritreans] tear [themselves] apart” (211). When Alem finally visits the office, he feels encouraged because he sees Ethiopians and Eritreans sharing the same space peacefully for the first time. He realizes that “peace is possible and peace will happen,” even if it does not come as quickly as he hopes (217).