BEING A REFUGEE IS NOT AN IDENTIFY, JUST A STATUS

 

 

 

"Being a refugee is not an identity, just a status." - Jean Marie, 2023. During an interview to understand the hardships faced by refugees and the opportunities available to them, Jean Marie Ndayambaje made a motivating statement. He communicated that one should not consider "being a refugee" as their identity but rather as a status that can change with time due to historical events. He encouraged individuals with refugee status not to define themselves solely by this status. Instead, they should seize opportunities and pursue their dreams relentlessly until they are achieved.

 

In the interview, Jean Marie responds to various questions with real-life-based answers, sharing his experiences on the journey and the significant achievements he has celebrated so far, despite the struggles.

Question 1: Before we hear about how you obtained refugee status, what is one thing that you are most proud of in your career or business?

Answer:  I don't have a specific career as I am an opportunity hunter. However, I am passionate about advocacy, and I am proud of the Moretti Foundation for believing in me and giving me the opportunity to connect with students from Kepler and Davis College, totaling 70 students. This is my way of giving back to the community, and I volunteer my time to help someone move out of the camp, as it is the best way I can assist my community. I also joined the school thanks to my brother-in-law, Jean Bosco Mugumyankiko, who completed the application process without my knowledge and informed me about the Kepler Admissions Test. Being grateful to him, I wanted to help other fellow refugees to move out of the struggle and embrace opportunities outside. It brings me great joy when people say, "We saw the goodness in you, you helped us face the world again, you helped us see the world anew, etc."

Question 2: Can you take us through how you left your country and arrived in the country where you are currently residing? What was happening in your homeland, and how was the journey amidst such challenging circumstances?

Answer: Leaving my country was a very difficult experience, especially due to the challenges of crossing the border amidst the presence of Imbonerakure (members of the ruling party) at all border points. The primary reason that compelled me to flee was the insecurity caused by selfish individuals, including the president's pursuit of a third term despite constitutional limitations to only two terms. His desire for an additional five-year mandate led to widespread opposition and subsequent persecution of dissenters.

Crossing the border proved to be exceptionally challenging, particularly as I arrived on the same day the Ugandan president visited for reconciliation. It was a Saturday when I crossed the Bugesera border accompanied by my brother-in-law and his friend. We carried medicine for children, 50kg of rice, and nearly 30kg of beans. Upon reaching the border at Ku musegetera, we encountered a police officer who pretended to offer assistance by guiding us through an alternative route. Unfortunately, this led us into a trap set by the Imbonerakure, who demanded a payment of 300,000 Burundian francs for us to proceed. Regrettably, we had no additional funds beyond what we had intended for others. After enduring an extensive inspection by individuals who appeared to lack education yet wielded power, we had no choice but to pay. They unjustly accused us of being rebels seeking medical treatment for our companions. Eventually, we paid the demanded sum, and they assigned someone to accompany us until we safely reached the Rwandan border.

Question 3: What was your experience with the host country?

Answer: Rwanda is a country known for its remarkable development and commitment to peace for its citizens. It values and respects all individuals, regardless of their status. Both international and national residents, as well as refugees, are entitled to essential rights such as education, security, peace, and justice. Notably, Rwanda grants refugees the freedom to move throughout the country and seize available opportunities, a privilege not universally enjoyed by all refugees worldwide.

Question 4: Living in a refugee camp poses numerous challenges. During my visit to Kiziba camp, I observed firsthand the harsh living conditions characterized by cramped and deteriorating housing. It was evident that families, in particular, faced the additional struggle of accommodating numerous members within these limited spaces. I am curious to learn about your experiences and how you managed to cope with such challenging circumstances.

Answer: While it is commonly stated that the refugee experience is universal, it is important to recognize that it can vary significantly from country to country. However, I have observed certain similarities in housing and social life within refugee camps in Rwanda. Housing assignments are based on family size, with smaller families allocated a single room (chambrette), medium-sized families given one room and a living area, and larger families provided with two rooms and a common area. For families exceeding a certain size, they are granted an entire house with three rooms and a living area. The close living quarters and limited space present challenges, particularly when accommodating youth who live with their parents. Managing daily life becomes even more complex in such circumstances.

Question 5: What was your host camp, and how specific was it either in treating you well or hardships?

Answer: I am currently living in Mahama refugee camp, and it is undeniable that the experience has been a mixture of good and difficult times. Refugee life is inherently dramatic, characterized by fluctuating circumstances. One day you may have access to sufficient food, while the next day you may struggle to find enough. One day peace may prevail, but the next day you may find yourself grappling with feelings of depression or uncertainty. It is a continuous cycle of ups and downs, requiring resilience and adaptability to navigate the challenges.

Question 6: I have heard that UNHCR provides support to refugees, and I am curious to know the specific types of support that are offered. Additionally, I am interested in understanding whether the assistance provided is enough to sustain a decent standard of living.

Answer: UNHCR strives to provide support to refugees for their primary needs, such as food and water. However, these efforts are often insufficient. The amount of food given is determined based on the family's ubudehe category. Each individual receives a small amount of money, usually less than 10K, in Ubudehe Category 2, which is expected to cover their expenses for a month, including food, clothing, and other necessities. Unfortunately, individuals in Division 3 do not receive any such assistance. Additionally, while UNHCR offers basic education support up to senior six, it falls short of providing a comprehensive education that would truly empower refugees.

Question 7: Beyond the UNHCR support, did/does the government of Rwanda provide support too? Are there other organizations that intervene to make living a positive experience?

Answer: I have not personally witnessed direct support from the government of Rwanda, but their presence within the camp implies some form of government assistance. Furthermore, refugees are allowed to freely move and work anywhere within the country, which suggests a level of government support. Such freedoms are not common in all countries, highlighting the potential governmental assistance in some capacity.

In addition, there are several humanitarian institutions that address various needs. For example, Save the Children provides health treatment and tackles malnutrition, Alight works with hospitals, Plan International assists unaccompanied children under 18 years old, and Oxfam (currently Ayateke) provides clean water, among others.

Question 8: Education is thought to be a key to unlocking one's potential. How easy and accessible are educational opportunities in camps? What is the availability and affordability of schools? How affordable are school materials? What is the quality of education, etc.?

Answer: As mentioned earlier, basic education is accessible and affordable in the camps, as UNHCR, in partnership with the local government, has constructed schools both within and outside the camp. However, this situation is not ideal as people are limited to learning what is available rather than pursuing their interests. There are limited course options, and only a few individuals have the opportunity to attend boarding schools through scholarships provided by external organizations. We primarily focus on making the most of the educational opportunities available within the camps and strive to adapt.

Speaking from my experience, our generation faced challenges in transitioning to the English system, as our educational background was in French. It took time for me, like everyone else, to adjust and become accustomed to the new system. UNHCR ensures that students have access to all the necessary resources, and in case of shortages, people find alternative solutions to overcome obstacles.

Question 9: I know you’re a Kepler/GEM-SNHU graduate, how did you know about it?

Answer: I learned about the opportunity through the Kepler Iteme Preparatory program, which is designed to assist secondary school graduates in preparing for tertiary education applications. The Kepler Iteme program encompasses various skills, including communication, critical thinking, problem-solving, and adaptability. By focusing on the program, I gained an understanding of how to approach admission-related opportunities, such as interview preparation, connecting theoretical knowledge to real-world situations, and utilizing persuasive language. As a result, I successfully secured a place at Kepler by applying the knowledge and skills acquired from the program.

Question 10:  What was your experience at Kepler studying alongside students who had the status of 'National' or 'International,' while you held the status of 'Refugee'?

Answer: Kepler is a university that values diversity and does not discriminate based on people's backgrounds, age, location, or life status. I never encountered any issues in this regard. I was able to compete with other students and receive support from the community without any limitations.

Question 11: What is the likelihood of being hired in the Rwandan labor market while holding the status of a refugee? Is it balanced?

Answer: I would say it is not yet balanced because not all companies in Rwanda are aware that refugees can work within the country just like other individuals. However, Kepler advocates for us and we can see a significant change in that regard. Additionally, UNHCR and the government have provided supporting documents to demonstrate that refugees are allowed to work in Rwanda. Overall, the balance exists if companies are aware of this and focus on hiring skilled individuals based on their experience rather than their background.

Question 12: What are your thoughts/suggestions towards eradicating the barriers faced by individuals living in refugee camps?

I would suggest the establishment of educational institutions that support refugees in pursuing their dreams by allowing them to study subjects they are passionate about, rather than just focusing on what is readily available. Additionally, it is important to continue providing basic assistance to refugees, such as food, as they often lack the means to cultivate their own sustenance. Furthermore, in today's advancing world, refugees need opportunities to pursue higher education. While secondary education is often accessible in camps, many are unable to attend universities due to the high costs involved. Unless they are considered by philanthropic institutions like Kepler/GEM, their educational journey often ends after secondary school. Therefore, there is a need for more opportunities for refugees to access higher education institutions and become competitive in the labor market.

Question 13: What do you think should be done to stop this long story of refugees in Africa and globally?

Answer: I am not particularly interested in politics, but I strongly believe in promoting a sense of humanity where every individual is treated with respect and dignity. It is important to recognize that regardless of differences, we are all human beings with the same life force flowing through our veins. Each person deserves the right to have ownership of their belongings and to be acknowledged as an equal member of society.

Question 14: We still have thousands of individuals living in camps. What advice, words of encouragement, and message of hope do you have for them?

Answer: Profite l’occasion quand il est temps. Try everything that comes your way and always be open to changing directions. It can be challenging unless you're a writer. Look for a way to overcome obstacles. It is normal to face difficult times as everyone has their own battles. To fellow refugees around the world, join me in understanding that being a REFUGEE is not our identity; it's just a status. Don't let that status hinder your potential. Seize any opportunity that comes your way. Take on the responsibility of achieving success, set ambitious goals, and work hard. Maintain discipline in your actions and cultivate meaningful connections that support your dreams. The struggles in the camp should not define your future. Be an active member of the community you reside in. The world needs to witness the incredible talents bestowed upon you by the Creator. Strive to succeed and make the most of your life.