I was born 29 years ago in Burundi. I am a mother of one boy, I was raised in a family of seven children in a very deeply religious family. My father was a minister and our family moved often. Since he valued my education, I lived with my grandmother so I could attend school. My childhood was interrupted by civil war in Burundi. I lost touch with my family because of the conflict. I married and had a child, but the violence in my country claimed my husband. Currently, I am enrolled at Middlesex Community College in Bedford Massachusetts majoring in nursing.

Six years ago I was forced to flee my country and I came to the US. My son, who then was four years old, become separated from me. I had no idea where he was, or with whom. I kept searching for him and three years later I found him. Although he is not with me yet, I feel blessed to have contact with him and I believe I will reunite with him soon. My experience and my sons experience are not unique in Africa, unfortunately. There are too many children who have no parents. Some have lost their parents or relatives because of war and others because of AIDS.

My hope and dreams is that these orphans and lost children will one day have stable homes and have hope for the future. Most importantly, I hope they can know that in spite of the difficulties in their lives, there are people who care for them. The future of any country lies in their children.

I have been very fortunate to find a home in a peaceful country, find my lost son, and resume my education. I am very grateful for my good fortune and I believe I can help others. I plan to study nursing so I can be able to reach to those who need help. For now, I hope to help other displaced children by founding a child-to-child website or program so kids in better circumstances could get to know and help displaced kids going into schools, Sunday schools, etc.