Finding Hope through Education

I am Steven Nshizirungu, a Congolese refugee living in Rwanda since 2012. I was born into a loving family that provided me with a wonderful childhood filled with care and all the necessities a child could ask for back in the eastern DR Congo. When I turned fourteen, however, everything changed. Insecurity and conflict tore through our lives, forcing us to seek refuge in Rwanda. When we arrived in Kigeme refugee camp, life was bleak and hopeless. I couldn't fathom the reality of what had happened to me and my family.

After three months in the camp, a glimmer of hope emerged. We began receiving coaching, and I was determined to make the most of this opportunity. Through hard work and relentless effort, I became one of the best performers in the coaching program. In January 2013, I finally got the chance to attend regular classes. Education became my beacon of hope, the key to a brighter future.

Despite facing numerous challenges, luck was on my side. I excelled in the national exam, earning the chance to continue my education from senior four to senior six. However, support was not forthcoming. Fortunately, my incredible mother stepped up and worked tirelessly to pay for my advanced schooling. Her unwavering support and dedication kept me motivated.

Reflecting on my mother's sacrifices and determination, I set a goal for myself: to finish high school with the best grades possible and secure a scholarship for higher education. In February 2017, I achieved an unexpected milestone when I became the second-highest achiever in my high school. This accomplishment motivated me to apply for scholarships.

In April 2017, a life-changing opportunity presented itself. I was admitted to Kepler, a non-profit organization that supports talented individuals by studying remotely for a degree from  Southern New Hampshire University, a US-accredited university. It was beyond my wildest dreams that a refugee from Kigeme would have the chance to study at the university. I am forever grateful to Kepler for their support.

Upon graduating in 2020, I embarked on a job search, and luck once again smiled upon me. I began my career as a Youth Researcher at Jigsaw Consult, a UK-based research company. There, I worked on a project assessing the impact of post-primary education on refugees. This experience ignited a passion for research within me. Today, I find myself working at the United Nations Institute of Research and Training, affiliated with the Global Platform For Action (GPA). I was chosen as the sole researcher to investigate the energy needs of displaced populations in Rwanda. This achievement is still surreal to me.

Soon, I plan to launch my own social enterprise called Girl Hub Rwanda. This social enterprise is dedicated to supporting young refugee girls and their host communities. Through the use of technology, we will empower them to prevent early pregnancies and build better futures. This initiative is my way of giving back to my community and supporting organizations promoting girls' rights. This initiative is not limited to one area; my ultimate goal is to extend this impact across all refugee camps in the East African Region, recognizing the pressures of the refugee crisis within the region. Through innovation, collaboration, and compassion, I aim to create a positive and lasting change for these vulnerable young lives.