Song written by Lewis Bucumi
“Refugees”
I have something in my heart that I am missing.
My friend, are you all right?
Are you still fine?
Although I am a refugee,
it is not I who decided to be one.
Now I sleep in a tent,
yet once I had a beautiful house.
Please God, help Burundians find peace in their land.
Let your holy spirit come and judge people who do the killings.
I am not a street boy, as we Burundians say.
I did not come here because of hunger, as the leaders say.
I left behind plantations ripe for harvest.
I left maize ready but now eaten by bugs.
I abandoned cattle and sheep on the farm.
I left milk in the milk pots.
I left potato and cassava, now consumed by insects.
I left all at home.
I came with nothing.
Now I feed on maize, oil, beans.
At home I ate whatever I wanted.
I am here not because I wanted to come here. No!
I wanted to save my life!
I left the girl I love crying alone on the hills.
I thank Rwanda for welcoming us.
I thought I would never return to school and write.
I thank UNHCR and ADRA for the help they give.
You built a school so we can study as we once did.
We study math, English, French.
Parents, come together! Put our children in school.
In a refugee camp, nothing can be higher priority
than educating our children.
May God bless you.
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UNHCR in partnership with Profuturo Foundation supports access to digital education in refugee and host community schools
23 Nov 2021Mahama –The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) today handed over 185 computers, 1,680 tablets, and other IT equipment to the Rwanda Basic Education Board (REB) to enhance access to equitable quality education in refugee and host community schools. The handover ceremony took place at GS Paysannat L C, […]
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The Government of Rwanda, the African Union, and UNHCR agree to continue the evacuation of refugees and asylum seekers from Libya
1 Nov 2021This addendum takes effect immediately and will ensure that the established ETM in Gashora, Rwanda continues until 31 December 2023.
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JOINT COMMUNIQUE: Relocation of refugees from Gihembe to Mahama camp
16 Sep 2021RELOCATION OF REFUGEES FROM GIHEMBE TO MAHAMA CAMP. JOINT COMMUNIQUE The Government of Rwanda in collaboration with the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) is relocating refugees from Gihembe, in Gicumbi District to Mahama camp in Kirehe District for their well-being and safety. The motive for this ongoing exercise is to settle […]
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European Union provides EUR 1,500,000 contribution to UNHCR in support the refugee response in Mahama camp and promote refugees access to COVID19 vaccines
15 Jul 2021Kigali, Rwanda – The European Union will support the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) in Rwanda in 2021 with a contribution amounting to EUR 1,500,000, from a total envelope of EUR 5.5 million allocated to the UNHCR to assist Burundian refugees in the region. This generous contribution from the European Union […]
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Dreaming Bigger: Young Congolese refugee athlete hopes to compete in the World Taekwondo Championships.
16 Jun 2021“Winning is the result of hard work, dedication, and a desire to do better,” Mbabazi Lady.
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Rwanda: Sudanese evacuee reunited with her daughter, thanks to EU support
9 May 2021EU support helps UNHCR to reunite Tahani and her daughter after 15 months of dire separation.
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Grandi praises Rwanda for offering life-saving haven for refugees
26 Apr 2021In Rwanda, UN High Commissioner for Refugees visits facility providing safe route out of Libya for refugees and asylum-seekers, including Somali couple who faced detention and abuse.
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The AU pledges to continue efforts to keep vulnerable refugees safe.
31 Mar 2021African Union delegation visits Rwanda’s Emergency Transit Mechanism centre, applauds the country for hosting vulnerable refugees evacuated from Libya.
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First refugees receive COVID-19 vaccinations in Rwanda
12 Mar 2021Over 400 health service workers and residents of Gashora transit centre get their first jabs, as part of national vaccine plan that covers all refugees and asylum-seekers.
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COVID-19 Treatment Center set-up brought new hopes for refugee and host communities in Rwanda.
10 Mar 2021Congolese refugees and Rwandan nationals living in Nyamagabe district find solace and hopes in COVID-19 Treatment center set-up by UNHCR, with the support of the United States.