Youth Feature # 4

This is a youth family edition – while all four of these young people deserve their own day, their collective story and the life they’ve shared is the epitomy of courage, love and resiliency. From the first day Lisa and I arrived here I was intrigued and drawn to these four individuals (and at the time was unaware they were siblings, despite the now very obvious resemblance). I had the feeling they carried themselves like they knew where they were going, without traces of a past burden influencing who they are today. They moved here from Burundi due to the vicious conflict between the Tutsi and Hutu populations. If you are like me, you might not have known that the Tutsi/Hutu conflict was not exclusive to Rwanda. In fact, Burundi’s conflict was as violent if not more so (two of the first three Prime Ministers were assassinated and scores of bloodshed on both sides); this most likely attributed to the shock-value of the atrocities committed during the Rwandan genocide and brutal civil war that flowed over into Zaire (Congo) – leading to the consequent demise of Zaire and conflict that still remains there today. Sadly, we are all well aware that age does not matter in war or conflict, and these four can more than attest to that. Their father was Hutu and mother Tutsi. The father’s family came and killed their mother in front of them, and Jacques informed me they had every intention of inflicting the same fate upon the children. These ‘purification’ campaigns stemmed from Belgium’s enforcement of ethnicity being the defining feature of day-to-day life (ID cards, prominent positions in society, etc.), effectively eliminating any sort of collective identity that had once existed.

These four, along with their 18/21 year old brother (it really says a great deal that all seemed unsure about their respective ages or birthdays, but knew to the hour when they arrived to Uganda) sought refuge in Ndejje shortly after their mother’s death, while their father remains (or has since past away) in prison. If there is any sliver lining to witnessing the worst of life at far too young an age, it is the blessing that they have each other and are as solid individually as they are as a unit. So, it is my honor to introduce Abigail (who I foresee becoming a diplomat), Jeledi (a jack-of-all-trades brimming with charisma), Asheal (an artist – I’m trying hard to find a proper sketchbook for him because he’s incredibly talented) and Jaelle (who is driven and sharp enough to do anything in this world).

Abigail Nukuri
5 years old
Top Class (Kindergarten)

Jeledi Nyenintsizi
9 years old
P2

Asheal Twarabishimye
11 years old
P3

Jaelle Nyeninganji
13 years old
P4

Do you all have a name that is the same?
Lots of giggling and shaking of heads…
*Sidenote: In Africa last names are given to individuals, so siblings do not have the same last names (one child in another class was given the name which translated is: “I have made a mistake”). But also there is (usually) a family name that a child can choose to adopt at some point in their life, or for official purposes. It seems to be similar to middle names in the United States but more official and utilized here.

Where in Burundi are you from and when did you move to Uganda?
Jaelle: We moved here on 14 July 2008 from Kinyinya District in Burundi.

How many languages do you speak? Did you know English before? Your English is so good for having recently moved here!
Jaelle: We speak Swahili, Kirundi and Luganda.
And English!
Jaelle: You think we speak English??!
Well, I’m talking with you all now aren’t I?
Laughter from everyone…(minus Abigail who is in the process of learning English).
Jaelle: And English! Four languages!

Do you miss Burundi? How do you like Uganda?
Asheal: I like Uganda enough. Don’t want to go back to Burundi.
Jaelle: I miss my friends.
Does Abigail remember Burundi?
Abigail (per her siblings): I like Australia.
More laughter.
Jeldi: I want to go to Australia too. Yes, I like Australia.
All come to the agreement that Australia is indeed the top destination.

What do you like most about HOPE School?
Jaelle: I like learning in English.
Jeledi: Being taught properly.
Asheal: I like the teachings of manners and discipline.

What do you want to do once you are done with school?
Jaelle: I want to be a manager of an office.
Jeledi: Train driver.
We call those people conductors!
Immense laughter ensues…and the word ‘conductor’ is repeated numerous times.
Asheal: Math teacher.
Abigail: (per her siblings) Nurse. She wants to be a nurse.
Hmm…I’m thinking you are answering for her.
Smiles and more giggling.

Tell me about your brother, what does he do?
Jaelle: He is 21
Asheal: No he is 19
I thought Mr. Jacques told me he was 18…Jaelle: He is 21. He works...
Jeledi: He works in a hotel.
Jaelle: Yes, he works in a hotel and we live with him.

Tell me what a normal Sunday for you is like?
Jeledi: We go to church
Jaelle: Then we do chores.
Jeledi: Cooking
Asheal: Washing
Jaelle: Then we play games
What kind of games?
Jaelle: Football…hiding…
Hide and Seek?
Jaelle: Yes! Hide and Seek.
Asheal: Then we bathe…eat and then sleep.

What is your favorite food and football team?
Asheal: Rice and Irish potatoes, Barcelona.
Jaelle: Chips, Barcelona!
Jeledi: Rice, Barcelona
Abigail: Rice, Arsenal
More laughter…
Asheal: Wait, also fish.
Jeledi: And meat!