Manuvo, Joseph
- Born: 1995
- Country: DR Congo
- Family: One brother (Bahati Marcel), family members location unknown – separated because of war, father deceased
- Grade: Primary — Joseph has received education sponsorshp.
Edited email(s): My name is Joseph Manuvo, I am 12 years old; a Congolese refugee living at the Kyangwali Refugee Settlement in Uganda.
I cannot tell how I came to Uganda because I was so young. I only remember the bomb explosion and bullets, and that everyone ran their own way. I was looked after by a good Samaritan, a widow who had lost her husband during the war. She found me crying and felt pity for me. She took me to her place in a transit camp and I stayed with her for a long time – until there was a program by the Red Cross who helped children without parents. When my step-mother heard where I was she came and got me. We were transported to the Kyangwali Refugee Settlement.
My Dad died. He had looked after us with serious parental care, since his death I have never experienced peace. He used to provide us with food, shelter, and protection. I now work hard to get food, I travel long distances to fetch water at a well, and collect fire wood. I try to dig (farm) to get food.
During the war I was separated from my Mother, brothers and sisters, I do not know where they are or whether they are alive.
In education I’m currently in primary four but it is not easy for me to get scholastic materials, clothes, food, and medication. Sometimes I spend many weeks at home looking for food or suffering from malaria which is a threat to our lives
I am a COBURWAS member and I asked them to help me write to you. I am hoping that a good Samaritan like the woman who looked after me will read about me and help me. I go to dig (farm) with other club members to raise money for the club but the work is very tiresome. I must say that I'm somewhat lucky – I work hard in class because the best performers are awarded with some exercise books and pens. As an orphan I use this chance to survive but sometimes it is hard for me and I miss classes due to the problems I mentioned above. There are very many reasons why I need education to survive in this competitive world. One of my teachers told us that whenever you talk to anyone concerning any issue he or she will ask you what level of education you have. It is correct that to survive today one needs an education and this is why if I get a chance to study I want to be a doctor so that I can fight the epidemics or diseases like malaria, cholera, tuberculosis, and many others we have in Africa.
I love sports very much; I head a young football team and am good at this game. I want to be a star in football and I’m sure I shall become one because I have people who coach me like JP Amana. JP is the keeper of Cosmos FC a team of Congolese youth and the Organizing Secretary of COBURWAS. I am sure with the help of these people I shall become a star one day.
If I get money I shall send you a copy of my report card.
Sincerely, Joseph
Student Progress Report
(written by Marcel Bahati, 07-07)
I went to Joseph's school on visiting day and it is my pleasure to share with you the good news that Joseph is doing very well. When I reached the school gate I wondered why his teachers started smiling at me. After signing the visitors book one of his teachers came to me and started telling me how Joseph led the school to victory in football matches. One football tournament was sponsored by a very big beverage company in Uganda. During one week Joseph's school played against three other schools, they won two matches and drew one. Small and slender as he is Joseph scored in all three matches giving his school victories. At a town public football game spectators shouted Brown (meaning Joseph) as he got the ball. His headmaster is very happy with Joseph and proud to have Joseph attending his school. It is very interesting to hear both teachers and students praising Joseph. I think, as Joseph wrote on the PeopleWeaver website, his dream to become a good football player will come true.
On academics, Joseph emerged number one in the group of newcomers. He met the challenge of joining a new and good school. Many of the subjects he had never learned before, he still hopes to improve and over take others in the student class ranking. When I met his four teachers they all told me Joseph is very bright, that since the school term started he has scored very highly when compared to the other new pupils.
Thank you once again for your support and your contributions towards this Boy's education and well being.
God bless you abundantly, Marcel