Joshua's Story

I am Joshua Ruzibuka from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. In 1996, at the age of five, I lost my parents in traumatic circumstances. Suddenly, I was an orphan, running for my life, trying to escape the genocide. I left on my own with no support, I struggled to find food; I struggled to find shelter; I struggled to survive. Eventually, I arrived at Dzaleka Refugee Camp near the capital city of Lilongwe in Malawi. In 2013, after living six years in the camp, I had the opportunity to live in the United States. 

Surrounded by the love and support of a growing family, friends, co-workers and church, I have built a new life here in the United States. Now, with the grace of God, I have become an American citizen and can achieve my dream of returning to Africa to give hope to people still caught up in the struggles I escaped. I plan to help orphans, widows and refugees. 

Remember, I have been a homeless orphan and a refugee since the age of five. I know how difficult it is to live with no parents and know what it feels like when no one can help you as a child. I know how orphans in Dzaleka and Congo suffer because I was an orphan there and I suffered. I know how hard life can be for people in refugee camps–so hard that you can lose hope and want to give up. That is why I help them.

I ask you to help support these people. Help for today and hope for tomorrow.