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Thank you from
Benson Wereje

Niyonzima, James

• Born: 1988
• Country: DR Congo
• Family: mother, father, siblings
• Grade: S4, needs educational assistance

Edited email(s):

One day in June 1996 a pale looking man appeared at our house and stood in the doorway. My younger sister told our Mama there is a stranger here. When we realized the man was a soldier all of us we were terrified.

I was born in 1988 in the City of Bunagana NORD KIVUin DR Congo. When I was 8 years old in 1996 a war broke out as we were at home. A neighbor told us that we were to run as soon as possible so we could save our lives, as he was still talking we heard an explosion and a bomb fell by us. Many people close to us were killed. All of us scattered, each one had to fight for their own survival. Even though I was young it is hard to forget the memory of my Grandmother as she was shot dead. I fell down half dead; my friend was killed and put in a latrine.

The following day I was upset and worried because I didn't know where my parents were. I moved the whole night looking for them, it was raining heavily. I got sick and I used herbs to treat myself. When I got enough strength I crossed over to Uganda, passing many dead people. All of this caused me to be very afraid, my brain got affected, and I became mentally disturbed.

I reached Uganda in 1997. I was taken into a camp where the Red Cross took me to the hospital. After spending three months in the hospital I was cured and taken back to the camp. One week later I found my parents, they were happy since they thought I was dead. Later in 1998 we were taken to the Kyangwali Camp. But the place where I expected to find relieve eventually turned into a place of mourning because of the difficult life. I was the 3rd born but now we are eight. My parents are peasant farmers.

I started schooling in primary three. I had problems in school because I did not know English, how to get books, and scholastic materials. I still remember one man who gave me pens and a school uniform. I finished primary level in 2003 and started secondary level. Currently I am not going to school because I cannot pay the school fees. I cannot pay the school fees because of my living conditions. My parents are very old and often sick, because of this they have a hard time cultivating the land which is their only way to survive here. I know my parents cannot contribute to my school so I look for my own way to pay school fees and other academic necessities while I care for my parents.

To earn money for my school fees I dug (farmed) for others during my vacation, burned charcoal, and any other work I could find. Once I tried to earn money by making bricks but two days later because of the hard work I became very ill. After I recovered I worked and got some money to pay towards my third term. I passed the third term well and was promoted to S3. But because I did not have money I had no exercise books and other materials. During the third term of S3 I had no paraffin to use for light as I studied. I tried to use the light from the fire but due to the smoke my eyes burned; once my shirt caught fire. Because school fees were still a problem they chased me out of the school, when the students laughed I was very sad. When I got home I told my parents what happened and cried but there was nothing to do so I went to sleep.

At this time I continue to work to earn money for my school fees, I have not been able to earn enough to pay the whole fee. I was allowed to take the exams but my report card is being retained until I pay the fees. The school told me once I pay my debt I will continue to S4. I have put much effort into getting work for my school fees but am now very discouraged and think my ability has reached a standing point. I do not think I can get the school fees, this causes me to cry, I feel like I have no one to help me, and those who used to be my friend regard me as an animal.

My goal was to study to become a doctor so I could help those who suffer from disease but my dream cannot come true.

I conclude by crying for help to anybody who would like to help me by offering me assistance to resume my studies. I pray and hope that GOD will find such a generous person, as the one who helps the poor gives credit to God. I would be so appreciative.

My hobbies are playing football, volleyball, reading and practicing in groups.

Yours Faithfully, James Niyonzima