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.
Page 9 of 15
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UNHCR launches new portal with verified higher education opportunities for refugees
16 Oct 2020 -
First group of Burundian refugees assisted to return home after years in exile
29 Aug 2020Following the recent elections and a desire to return home, refugees opt to go back home to rebuild their lives.
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“Real-life Heroes” – celebrating aid workers on World Humanitarian Day
19 Aug 2020In the midst of COVID-19, aid workers and health-care respondents remain and deliver to the most vulnerable people in the world.
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Rwanda: The US continues to welcome Congolese refugee families amidst COVID-19
18 Aug 2020“During these uncertain times of Coronavirus, I would like to thank the US Government for opening borders for these Congolese refugees,” Ahmed Baba Fall.
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Thousands of refugees and migrants suffer extreme rights abuses on journeys to Africa’s Mediterranean coast, new UNHCR/MMC report shows
29 Jul 2020 -
Refugee survivors of sexual abuse find help in Rwanda
29 Jul 2020Rescued from Libyan detention centres and evacuated to Rwanda, survivors of horrific torture and rape are receiving the help they need to start to heal.
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A young Rwandan artist wins the Youth with Refugees Art Contest
22 Jul 2020“Rain of love is enough (in the fighting against the virus). You do not need money or expensive devices. Your ideas and love can make the biggest difference.” – Faida, 20
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Winners announced for UNHCR Youth with Refugees Art Contest
22 Jul 2020 -
UNHCR calls for solidarity and continued support in its efforts to strengthen COVID-19 preparedness and response in Rwanda
14 Jul 2020 -
1 per cent of humanity displaced: UNHCR Global Trends report
19 Jun 2020