'This book is not just my story, it is an invitation into your own. Because hope can be held, shaped and carried, one bucket at a time.' Abang Anade Othow

Separated from her family in Sudan as a young child, Abang Anade Othow endured profound loss, displacement and trauma. As her mind and body shut down to survive, she became mute and the memory of her loved ones' faces began to fade. But one day, a vivid memory broke through: the brightly coloured buckets her family used to carry, brimming with food and water.

That simple image sparked a visualisation technique she later called Buckets of Hope. She imagined five symbolic buckets, each representing a vital element of life: yellow for joy and gratitude, green for growth and generosity, red for survival and intuition, black for resilience and resolve, and blue for flow and adaptability. These buckets became her guide, helping her navigate the darkest moments and rediscover light.

From her war-torn homeland to refugee camps in Ethiopia and Kenya, and finally to Australia, Abang's story is a testament to the power of hope and imagination. Today, she is an internationally acclaimed educator, speaker and leader, inspiring people worldwide with her unique framework.

Buckets of Hope is more than a memoir – it's a practical guide to overcoming adversity and creating a life of purpose. Whether you're facing personal challenges, seeking emotional healing, or simply looking for inspiration, this book will empower you to carry hope forward.

PRAISE

'This is one of the most extraordinary books I've ever read. It's a lyrical tribute to the resilience of the human spirit. Abang Othow writes like a poet, painting a vivid picture of her journey from South Sudan to Sydney. At once inspiring and pragmatic, Buckets of Hope provides a powerful framework for anyone struggling to survive and thrive. It is the story we need during these troubled times.'

Tracey Spicer AM

'A gripping memoir of survival filled with the hope, resilience and perspective we all need.'

Jennifer Robinson

Details

ISBN13: 9780733344411
Format: Paperback / softback
Number of Pages: 288
Edition:
Publication Date: 01 Sep 2026
Publisher: ABC Books
Publication City, Country: New South Wales, Australia
Dimensions (cm): 23.4(H)x15.3(L)x2.6(W)352
Weight (gm): 352

Author Biography

Abang Anade Othow is an internationally recognised educator, speaker, writer and leader whose work blends storytelling, education, psychology, and social impact. She is the visionary founder of Buckets of Hope, a transformative visual and emotional wellbeing framework that uses colour, storytelling and mindfulness to help individuals and communities rise from survival to thriving. She serves as Deputy Chair of the Asylum Seekers Centre. A survivor of civil wars, who rebuilt her life through education and resilience, Abang now works with communities, corporations and schools to cultivate emotional literacy, courage and collective wellbeing.

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