Mushange on her tricycle, surrounded by her school friends. | © P. Oweka / HI
Mushange Nizeyimana was born in the Democratic Republic of Congo. In 2022, she and her nine siblings were forced to leave their country to escape the violence that had robbed them of their parents. Fleeing to Uganda, Mushange reached the Kyangwali Refugee Settlement, where she now lives with her grandmother, Regina Mukamusoni.
"We had to flee Congo because of the wars, and for a long time, I couldn’t leave our home. I had never been to school, not even for a day."
The medical team at Kituti hospital, with the help of Medical Teams International, referred Mushange to the European Union-funded INCLUDE III project. "My grandmother and I went to HI on a boda boda, a motorcycle taxi. The staff there asked me questions to find out about my situation and promised to visit us at home." True to their word, HI’s team visited the girl regularly, bringing encouragement and support.
"They taught me exercises and gave me a tricycle to help me get around. They trained me to use it and encouraged me to start school. I was so happy – I had always dreamt of playing with friends at school!"
With her tricycle and newfound confidence, Mushange started attending Kagoma Primary School. "I’m so happy now. I have friends who push me on my tricycle, and I love going to school.”
Her grandmother, Regina, is very grateful for the transformation she has seen. "Before HI’s support, Mushange was often unhappy and lonely. Now, she wakes up early to prepare for school and her friends come to help her. She is learning so much – I even hear her singing the alphabet! I don’t know whether she writes well now, we shall see after her exams."
Mushange is thriving academically and socially. She is making friends, gaining independence, and dreaming big. "I want to study hard and become a nurse.”
Her grandmother echoes this hope. "We are so thankful to HI and the INCLUDE project. They’ve brought joy and opportunity to Mushange’s life. We hope their support continues, especially if the tricycle breaks down!"
Mushange’s story is a powerful reminder that with the right support and encouragement, even the biggest challenges can become opportunities for growth and success.
The ECHO INCLUDE III is funded by European Union Humanitarian Aid and aims to ensure that, in Western Uganda, conflict-affected refugee and host community children and adolescents, including out-of-school children, have access to quality and inclusive formal and non-formal learning opportunities, are protected, and have improved well-being and learning outcomes. This project has supported 50 primary schools, and 171 children have been able to go back to school.
