Educate Medical Professionals in DR Congo

We are pleased to offer our first report of 2021 authored by Linnet Kasaya, Librarian at Hope Africa University, which Claudine attends. Linnet's low-key guidance and mentoring to Claudine has been critical as our student continues to navigate a still-new life in Bujumbura, the capital city of Burundi.

Claudine is a third-year student in Nursing at Hope Africa University. She is a hardworking young woman despite traumatic events in her childhood. She is already a courageous and resourceful person. She appreciates your support not only for her academics but also to pay for a rented room with modest kitchen provisions. Her allowance specifically allows for fresh fruits and vegetables, which Claudine loves. The walk to campus is about 2 miles.

During my conversations with her, when we are not discussing more serious issues, Claudine conveys a joyful spirit with a good sense of humor.

Academically she is struggling a bit. She must work hard to respond to rigorous demands that she had not experienced in the Congolese town of Uvira, where she attended high school. University studies need much concentration and research work. Language is also a challenge for Claudine. She is most at ease with Kifuleru and Swahili, but the languages officially used at Hope Africa University are French and English. She learned French as a youth in Uvira, along with some English. Claudine is working hard to become more at ease with these two languages.

Despite all these demands, Claudine remains determined to succeed and to bring good to the world around her. Your support in the four dimensions of Claudine's life—physical, spiritual, intellectual, and moral—is elevating a strong woman. She is already a role model to society, particularly for vulnerable girls from small rural villages like Rwenena.