Courage! It was the first time she had used that word to herself and understood exactly what it meant

The overview of the meaning is summarized throughout the clarification section below.

Explanation:

Although she speaks out of everything and, saying, "Courage! It would be the very first experience she had been using another expression to herself because recognized what this exactly was." instead for Dede, it means remaining together for herself community and therefore not fleeing thoughtlessly.  Admittedly, bravery has been much necessary at that same moment whenever the officials have been putting pressure against her community quite aggressively.