Buckets of Hope with Abang Othow

Buckets of Hope is the story of Abang Anade Othow who became a child refugee after being separated from her parents and siblings at the age of 5.

Abang endured profound loss and displacement as she travelled from war-torn Sudan to refugee camps in Ethiopia and Kenya. As her mind shut down and the faces of her loved ones faded, she became mute. One day Abang experienced a vivid memory of the brightly coloured buckets used by the women in her family to carry food and water. That simple image  sparked a visualisation technique that she later called her Buckets of Hope.

Buckets of Hope is more than a memoir. It is an inspiring story of overcoming adversity, developing resilience and creating a life of purpose.

Abang Anade Othow is an educator, speaker, storyteller and leader. Since arriving in Australia alone at the age of 17, Abang has navigated her way through women’s shelters, fashion runways, classrooms and boardrooms. Abang is the Deputy Chair of the Asylum Seekers Centre. 

“A gripping memoir of survival filled with the hope, resilience and perspective we all need.” - Jennifer Robinson 

Tracey Spicer described Abang’s memoir as “one of the most extraordinary books I’ve ever read ….a lyrical tribute to the resilience of the human spirit”. 

Inner West for Refugees is local group of volunteers who advocate on behalf of refugees and asylum seekers. Established in 2019, the group seeks to shift attitudes, mobilise support and promote local refugee support services.  Over the past 4 years Abang has been a speaker and mentor to Inner West for Refugees.